UPDATE: Good Samaritan Opens Emergency Department

Following the assessment of damages associated with Hurricane Irene, reported that they have begun opening many departments as of Sunday evening. 

Public & External Affairs Manager Colleen Valdini said the hospital started with the Emergency Department () and associated acute care and emergency surgery services.  Shortly thereafter, the labor and delivery and neonatal intensive care units opened.

Valdini expects the hospital's outpatient services to resume on Monday at regularly scheduled hours and operating room capabilities to resume on Tuesday.

She said the patients who were evacuated will be returning "based on the best interest of their care while respecting patient preference and safety considerations."

"We are thankful the storm damage was less serious than anticipated and appreciate the combined efforts of county services and volunteer rescue squads to enable this significant operational accomplishment which ensured the safety of our patients," Valdini said.