Kaiser Medical Center Reopens After Water Main Break

WOODLAND HILLS, CA — Kaiser Permanente Medical Center resumed full operations Sunday after receiving final government approval following last weekend's broken water main, which forced the temporary closure of the Woodland Hills hospital.

"We look forward to welcoming back our patients, and want to express our deepest gratitude to them and the entire community for their understanding during this past week," Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager for the facility, said in a statement Sunday morning.

Hospital officials said all services, including the emergency department, urgent care and pharmacy, are fully operational. All scheduled appointments will resume on Monday.

The break occurred the night of Jan. 18, cutting off water to the medical center at 5601 De Soto Ave., near the Ventura (101) Freeway, and forcing staff to cancel surgeries and doctors' appointments.

A temporary water line was installed later, but the hospital still was not able to resume operations. Urgent care services ceased at 9 p.m. Tuesday and the emergency department was closed as of 11 p.m.

"Our commitment to ensure our patients' safety and well-being remains our highest priority," according to a Kaiser statement. "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to our members, patients, physicians, staff and community as a result of temporarily closing services and operations at this location. We appreciate their continued patience and understanding."

Patients who have questions can call Kaiser at 833-KP4-CARE or 833-576- 2273. Additional information is also available Kp.org/woodlandhills.

—City News Service