Riga, Dec 23 (LETA) - The second floor structures of the right wing of Bauska Hospital are in poor technical condition, so the Therapy and Care Ward has been temporarily closed for safety reasons, the hospital informed LETA.

On Monday, December 22, while carrying out routine monitoring, hospital staff found localized damage to the Therapy and Care Ward structures under the suspended ceiling. During the visual inspection, signs of damage were observed in the load-bearing wooden beams in a separate, small section of the ceiling structure.

The hospital explained that safety measures were immediately taken to ensure stability and reduce risks. However, in view of the potential safety implications in the area, the situation was precautionarily assessed as a potential pre-emergency situation, and more stringent safety measures were adopted.

Bauska Hospital stressed that the structural problem is in no way related to the ongoing construction work in the hospital. The damage is located in another part of the building, outside the construction zone, and is not the result of the current remodellng work.

According to the initial assessment of the situation, the damage found is the result of long wear and tear and the previous management of the building, which have become apparent during routine monitoring.

The hospital decided to immediately suspend the operation of the Therapy and Care Ward on the second floor. Nine patients were discharged from the ward and ten patients were transferred to other facilities, in coordination with the hospitals concerned, and appropriate follow-up care was provided. The hospital is making temporary arrangements for continuity of care.

At present, the hospital will not admit any new patients to the ward until further decisions have been taken and a certified structural engineer has issued an opinion.

The hospital stressed that the hospital continues to provide emergency medical care as usual.

The decisions taken have been communicated to the shareholder, the management of the city council, as well as to the Health Ministry's Crisis Management Unit and the State Construction Control Bureau.

According to Firmas.lv, the turnover of Bauska Hospital, owned by the municipality of Bauska, was EUR 5.6 million last year, and the company made a loss of EUR 52,000.