For the first time since opening 15 years ago, all roads leading to the Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) were closed.

Angie CussonDirector of Health Services at BTHC, Angie Cusson said yesterday's blizzard caused BTHC to put its Code Grey policy into effect.

In severe weather events Code Grey allows staff to look at what needs to happen in that situation. She said it took a little bit of planning on the part of the team that was there Tuesday, but in the end they were able to accommodate everyone.

The Southern Emergency Response Committee also helped out by delivering cots for the staff and any extra guests that were staying the night.

"We needed to make sure we had adequate care for the staff that were there, and the patients that were there, but also making sure that we would be able to continue care not knowing how long the roads would remain closed. As always the staff at the site, our physicians, and our support teams were amazing."  

As of 9:30 A.M., Wednesday, Cusson said some of the staff had been at the hospital for more than 24 hours.

Cusson notes the timing of the situation was unfortunate, as the hospital was full.  She said they also never saw a slowdown in the E.R., noting even though the roads were closed, there was still a constant flow of patients.

Dietary staff stayed on and prepared soup and sandwiches for staff and those stranded at the hospital.