Updated: University Medical Center Working to Restore Full Power

Updated: 10 a.m. 9/2/20 - Things are getting back to normal after University Medical Center suffered a power outage Tuesday morning, September 1.

According to the latest reports, visitor restrictions have been lifted and the main phone lines are back up and running. A faulty generator switch is apparently to blame for UMC’s main building losing local power Tuesday at about 7:30 a.m.

It was last reported that the generator switch is still broken, but a temporary solution is currently in place and patients who lost power to their rooms have been moved to other rooms that do have power.

Until power can be fully restored, UMC is continuing to divert new patients to other hospitals.

Original Post: 9:30 a.m. 9/1/20 - University Medical Center is diverting new patients to other local and regional hospitals due to a partial power failure.

The hospital sent out their first notice of the power outage at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1st, and provided more information at 8:30 a.m. through a press release.

According to the release, UMC staff performed a generator test early Tuesday morning and, when switching back to regular power, the generator switch failed, preventing the main hospital building from going back to local power.

UMC said they are currently working to restore all power to the main building. In the meantime, affected patients have been relocated to rooms with power and are not believed to be in any danger, the hospital explained.

The hospital said all elective surgeries have been canceled for Tuesday and visitation is being restricted, although how restricted is unclear.

UMC said they are currently unable to receive phone calls from their usual number and are asking potential visitors to call 806-776-3423.