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Ceiling collapse at Nanaimo care home sends one to hospital, displaces others

Dec 9, 2016 | 10:54 PM

NANAIMO — An elderly woman is in hospital after the ceiling of her north Nanaimo suite collapsed, causing water damage in 23 units of a seniors care home, according to Island Health.

Island Health communications officer Moira McLean says what’s believed to be a water pipe burst Friday night at Woodgrove Manor on Metral Drive.

“One female resident was transported to NRGH where she is doing well, she’s in stable condition,” said McLean, who is unaware of the nature of the woman’s injuries.

She says when the pipe burst and the ceiling gave way, the sprinkler system went off, causing water damage impacting 23 residents. McLean says it doesn’t appear that the incident was caused by recent snowfall.

McLean says temporary arrangements have been made for about 14 residents to stay overnight elsewhere in the facility until alternate plans are made on Saturday. She say three impacted residents have found temporary housing with local family.

McLean says it’s unclear how long it will take to clean up the units and have residents move back in.

“The owner of the facility has been in contact with the families of all of the residents who are affected and they are committed to making sure that they are in the loop going forward,” she said.

Woodgrove Manor is a privately owned and operated 43-unit long-term care home which includes beds subsidized by Island Health.