OhioHealth Berger Hospital Update
6/23 2:00 p.m. update: On Wednesday, June 18, OhioHealth Berger Hospital leaders evacuated and then closed the hospital as a precaution after an overheating pump generated smoke in the hospital’s basement.
After a phased reopening, the hospital is now fully functioning and operating as normal.
6/20 4:00 p.m. update: On 6/18, OhioHealth Berger Hospital leaders evacuated and then closed the hospital as a precaution after an overheating pump generated smoke in the hospital’s basement.
The emergency department and inpatient hospital units, including the maternity unit were opened on 6/20 to care for patients. As of today, Friday, 6/20, the surgery department is back up and running in a phased approach - Berger will be operating on an emergent basis through Sunday, 6/22.
Berger plans to be fully functioning and operating as normal by Monday, 6/23, at 7:00 a.m.
6/19/2025 6:00 p.m. update: OhioHealth Berger Hospital will begin a phased reopening to patients tonight (6/19) following its closure yesterday.
Hospital leaders evacuated and then closed the hospital as a precaution after an overheating pump generated smoke in the hospital’s basement.
Hospital staff and remediation experts have worked since yesterday to sanitize and return the hospital to normal operating status operations and ensure a safe environment of care for patients, providers, and staff.
What will open this evening by 7 p.m.
- Emergency Department
- Inpatient hospital units, including the maternity unit
What remains closed until further notice
- Hospital-based outpatient services
Patients whose scheduled appointments need to be rescheduled will be contacted via phone or by MyChart. Those with remaining questions about scheduling or appointments may also call 614-566-1111.
For the latest updates, please visit newsroom.OhioHealth.com.
5:00 p.m. update: OhioHealth Berger Hospital is currently closed to patients and will remain closed until further notice. The closure comes after an evacuation earlier today due to an overheating pump that resulted in smoke dispersing through the hospital’s ventilation system. We are cleaning the hospital and working to re-open as soon and safely as possible.
Patients with appointments will be contacted via phone or MyChart and rescheduled.
2:30 p.m. update: The source of smoke at OhioHealth Berger Hospital has been contained. There was no fire. The cause of the smoke was an overheating pump. OhioHealth has received permission from Circleville Fire Department to re-enter the building to begin the recovery process. The timeline to return to normal operations is unknown.
A total of 55 patients have been transferred or discharged from the hospital since this morning.
12:25 p.m. update: OhioHealth Berger Hospital has been fully evacuated as a precaution due to reports of smoke originating in the hospital’s basement.
The Circleville Fire Department is on site and working with hospital staff to determine the source.
Patients at Berger are being transferred to area hospitals, Circleville High School, or, if appropriate, will be discharged home.
We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
