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The entrance to the emergency department at the Cowichan District Hospital will be temporarily closed on Oct. 30 and Nov. 3 to allow for necessary repairs. The emergency department will remain open and accessible through the main entrance of the hospital. Signage and additional staff will help direct people from the main entrance to the emergency department. “Island Health appreciates everyone’s patience as we complete this necessary repair,” Island Health said. On Oct. 25, a black Chevrolet Traverse rammed through the hospital’s emergency entrance and stopped inside the waiting room. A statement from the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said two paramedics at the scene attempted to check on the driver, a 42-year-old woman, who then allegedly assaulted one of them, causing minor injuries. The woman was then subdued by hospital staff and was apprehended under the Mental Health Act. No other injuries were reported in the incident. A statement on Island Health’s Facebook page at the time said the health authority’s facilities maintenance and operations team has assessed the area and initial findings show that, other than the damage to the doors at the entrance, there was no major structural damage to the building’s foundation.
