Flood-damaged Columbus, IN, hospital set to reopen

Columbus (IN) Regional Hospital plans to resume surgical and inpatient services on October 27, more than four months after the hospital was closed by flooding that caused more than $200 million in damage to the complex. The week of Oct. 27 will be a transition period before being ready to handle a full volume of surgeries and patients by Nov. 3, hospital CEO Jim Bickel. The June 7 flood heavily damaged the hospital's first floor and basement, which was filled by floodwaters, and forced its evacuation and closure. The emergency department reopened Aug. 1, but patients needing care that requires admission to a hospital have been sent to other hospitals.