FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2025
TCRHCC Main Hospital to Resume Normal Operations in Three Phases
Tuba City, AZ —Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) is resuming normal operation at the main hospital building after multiple laboratory testing and confirming water samples show no contamination of propylene glycol. The return to full operations is being implemented in three phases, ensuring a safe and orderly transition for all patients and staff.
TCRHCC temporarily suspended water use on April 21, 2025, after propylene glycol was detected in the potable water system serving the main hospital building—an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility built in the late 1970s.
TCRHCC worked in close collaboration with the Navajo Nation, Navajo Area IHS, and environmental experts throughout the response.
In addition, TCRHCC worked closely in alignment with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), the Joint Commission Code standards, as they relate to water, and CMS Life Safety Code (LSC) and Health Care Facilities Code (HCFC), to ensure that water quality standards for treatment and maintenance of water systems used in healthcare settings were met during the response. The water standards help ensure safe water in healthcare settings by focusing on proper treatment, regular water quality checks, preventive maintenance, and risk analysis.
“The health and safety of our patients, staff, and community is our priority,” said Joette Walters, TCRHCC CEO. “We look forward to resume full operations with confidence in the safety of our water system.”
The return to full operations will follow in three phases:
Phase I – May 9, 2025
- Inpatient care has resumed, including the ACU, ICU, PEDS, and OB Delivery units.
- All outpatient clinics continue to operate from their temporary locations and will return to the main hospital on Monday, May 12, 2025.
- The west entrance (sliding glass door) is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Phase II – May 10, 2025
- The Operating Room will be fully operational by Saturday, May 10, 2025, with both elective and emergent surgeries proceeding as normal.
Phase III – May 12, 2025
- Full operations will resume, including the return of all outpatient services to the Main Hospital building.
- Patients with cancelled appointments in the affected clinics will be contacted directly by clinic staff to reschedule appointments.
“Thank you to our staff and patients for your patience during this disruption in care—especially our patients,” said Joette Walters. “Ensuring access to safe water in our healthcare setting is essential, and reopening safely remains our top priority.”
For news and updates, visit tchealth.org/tc-health-news/.
# # #
Related Stories
