Hospital kitchen reopens after crane accident

Western Plains Medical Complex announced Friday that a structural engineer had given the nod to resume use of its kitchen late Friday morning.
    The roof over the kitchen and the storage area of the building were damaged Thursday afternoon when a crane being used to place an air handling unit tipped over.
    The kitchen was off limits for part of Thursday and Friday, requiring the hospital to seek outside assistance to feed patients.  Manor of the Plains and USD 443 supplied assistance in making their kitchens and foodstuffs available to Emilio Sarria, hospital food service director and his staff.
    “We are grateful that no one was injured in this incident,” said hospital CEO John Walker in a statement Friday. “And we are also grateful for the immediate support we received from the community. Alan Cunningham and Kathy Konrade from USD 443 and Tammy Lampe and her staff at Manor of the Plains were extremely helpful in allowing us access to their facilities.”
    Hospital spokeswoman Emily Shultz said that roof damage over the supply area would require reconstruction. The supplies have been relocated to another part of the hospital campus.
    Shultz said it was too early to put a timeline on the repairs.
    "Our main thing was getting (our engineer) in because he was familiar with the building," she said. "Our concern was being able to  use the kitchen."

    Reach Mark Vierthaler at (620) 408-9908 or e-mail him at mark.vierthaler@dodgeglobe.com.