The Saskatchewan Health Authority says a total of 22 patients plus staff at the Weyburn General Hospital have been moved out of the facility for safety reasons. A welcome sign on the outskirts of Weyburn, Sask., on Thursday, March 14, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell
Patient smell may have caused hospital evacuation.
In Weyburn, Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has indicated that a patient may have been the cause of a strong gas odor that led to the evacuation of the Weyburn General Hospital.
Earlier reports suggested the evacuation was prompted by a suspected gas leak, resulting in the relocation of 22 patients and staff for safety reasons.
According to Weyburn Fire Chief Trent Lee, it appears the patient in question was coated in a substance resembling crude oil, although the exact nature of the substance remains unclear.
The health authority is collaborating with the fire department to investigate and eliminate any other potential sources of the chemical smell.
Due to the incident, all services at the hospital have been disrupted, and individuals in the Weyburn area in need of urgent emergency care are advised to seek assistance at the nearest hospital outside the city.
