Rush University cooling system restored after failure halts surgeries, diverts ambulances

Rush University Medical Center restores A/C after HVAC system failure

A cooling system outage at a hospital tower building Monday morning led to ambulance diversions and canceled surgeries as crews worked to restore comfortable conditions.

CHICAGO - A cooling system outage at a hospital tower building Monday morning led to ambulance diversions and canceled surgeries as crews worked to restore comfortable conditions.

By around 3 p.m., the cooling system was repaired, and by around 8:45 p.m., the hospital had resumed accepting ambulance patients and accommodating those whose procedures had been rescheduled.

What we know:

According to Rush University Medical Center, a chilled water line serving the tower building temporarily failed, knocking out cooling for the building’s HVAC system and critical equipment. 

While repairs have been completed, officials say it will take until later this afternoon before the system fully recharges and temperatures stabilize.

As a precaution, the hospital’s emergency department is on full bypass for ambulances, and many operating room cases scheduled for the day have been canceled. 

Officials warned that conditions in the building may remain uncomfortable until cooling is fully restored but said steps are being taken to protect patients and staff from rising indoor temperatures.