Flooding problems persist at the new MUHC superhospital, and the health minister is growing aggravated by the ongoing problems.
On Wednesday there were multiple floods on multiple floors, in something that has become a routine occurrence.
CTV News has learned that flooding problems began at the MUHC superhospital long before any staff or patients began working in the building, and has obtained photos of sewage bubbling up from drains and toilets, flooding hospital floors.
A source says the backups in drains began as soon as water was turned on in the new buildings.
The hospital is managed by a private consortium called GISM. SNC-Lavalin is a member of that consortium and is responsible for all maintenance on the building for decades to come. The company says problematic zones at the Glen site have been identified and will be investigated.
"Teams from SNC-Lavalin and the MUHC have been mobilized and will collaborate to ensure that the problem is resolved as soon as possible," SNC-Lavalin said in a statement.
MUHC spokesperson Ian Popple said the hospital has repeatedly notified the consortium of the problem since the new site opened in May.
The MUHC says its housekeeping staff cleans up and disinfects the flooded areas, areas shared by patients in the birthing centre, breast centre and staff offices.
Last week The Gazette obtained photos of staff using absorbent bed pads to soak up sewage water that has spilled onto the floors of the birthing centre.
At that time, SNC-Lavalin said individuals flushing inappropriate items down toilets caused the backups.
Throughout the summer staff have been complaining about the leaks and drains being clogged.
"There are days that they get calls for four or five floods a day, that's not normal this is a new establishment," said Mary Ann Davis, spokesperson for the MUHC employees union.
Quebec Health Minister Gaetan Barette says problems with the plumbing are concerning and the government may be forced to take legal action against the building's management.
“It is clear that we have a contract with SNC-Lavalin, a contract surely implies that sewage equipment is working properly we would ensure that all the legal efforts are made and whatever efforts are made that the building has been delivered is fully functional with no mishaps. What you are describing to me is not acceptable,” he said.
