Public Notice – Temporary service interruption at Franklin Woods Community Hospital

Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee, is currently experiencing a significant failure in its boiler system, which has impacted the ability to maintain critical hospital operations that rely on hot water, steam, and proper temperature and humidity control.

There is engineering support on-site, and the team is working to restore operations. It is estimated this service disruption will last for the next 24 to 48 hours.

To ensure the continued safety of our patients and team members, the following temporary changes are in effect:

• Labor & delivery diversion: Beginning at 5 p.m. today, April 14, obstetric patients should contact their OB/GYN prior to coming to Franklin Woods. All deliveries will be redirected to Indian Path Community Hospital in Kingsport, Tennessee. Obstetric physicians are credentialed at both locations, and emergency deliveries will be handled using the same protocols to ensure safe transfer to Johnson City Medical Center and Niswonger Children’s Hospital, if needed.
• Surgical services: Elective surgeries scheduled after 5 p.m. are being postponed or relocated to the appropriate hospital. Affected patients will be contacted directly by their provider or Franklin Woods care teams.
• Inpatient admissions: No new inpatient admissions will be accepted during the 24-to-48-hour period. Patients currently admitted are safe and being closely monitored.
• Emergency Department: The Emergency Department remains open. However, certain patients may be transferred to nearby facilities based on their care needs.
• Facility operations: There is currently no hot water service within the facility, and food service is being supported through safe, alternate delivery methods.

There is no safety risk to patients or staff, and all current inpatients and emergency care needs are being managed appropriately. These temporary adjustments are being made strictly out of caution and in alignment with our commitment to safe, high-quality care.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore full operations as quickly as possible. Additional information will be shared as the situation develops.