11 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2008
In the wake of Hurricane Ike, the 11 hospitals of the Memorial Hermann Health System and the thousands of employees and medical staff physicians that rode out the storm fared well. Buffeted by strong winds and rain overnight and into the early morning hours, all of the campuses sustained varying degrees of damage. Crews are onsite and prepared to begin repairs as soon as weather conditions allow. Nine of our hospitals lost power and are operating with generators at this time. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital remain on regular power. The Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, which evacuated and closed on Thursday remains closed until further notice as hospital officials assess damage there.
As a reminder, Memorial Hermann-TMC is a level one trauma center. In anticipation of an influx of trauma and other critical patients, we ask that the people consider other community resources for minor emergencies. Our emergency centers are operational, but the needs of the most seriously ill and injured will take priority.
Noon, September 11, 2008
As Hurricane Ike approaches the coast, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital on Wednesday began discharging many patients home and evacuating other patients to sister Memorial Hermann hospitals across the Houston area. Once patients have been evacuated, the hospital will close later today. This closure will include the Memorial Hermann Southeast Emergency Center. At this time, the Emergency Center is encouraging patients to use emergency centers outside of the evacuation zone. The hospital staff will remain on lockdown during the closure and is taking steps to ensure a prompt reopening of the facility after the storm.
All other Memorial Hermann hospitals and outpatient centers have cancelled elective procedures scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12.