Water Main Break Forces NJ Hospital to Diverts Ambulances

Jackie Roman – nj.com

RWJBarnabas Health announced Thursday the postponement or cancellation of surgical procedures and some outpatient services at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston in response to a water main break.

The water main break occurred early Thursday morning outside the acute care hospital in Essex County, according to a statement provided to NJ Advance Media.

The statement did not indicate the water main break’s size or provide a timeline for repairs.

“The hospital is closely monitoring the situation and working with the city of Livingston, Essex County and Department of Health, to ensure the safety of the facility,” RWJBarnabas Health officials said in a statement.

The hospital and emergency department are currently open, but diverting ambulances to other facilities, officials said.

A spokesman said hospital officials would provide updates as they become available.

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, formerly Saint Barnabas Medical Center, is New Jersey’s oldest non-profit, nonsectarian hospital, according to its website. The 597-bed facility reported 96,223 emergency department visits, 14,729 surgeries, and 250,333 outpatient visits in 2024, according to a hospital fact sheet.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.

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