RCMP say they are investigating after a car crashed into the entrance to the emergency department at Cowichan Regional Hospital in Duncan on Vancouver Island.
Police say officers responded at approximately 7:40 pm PT on Saturday to find a black Chevrolet Traverse SUV stuck outside the hospital doors.
Photos quickly went viral on social media, showing the car parked in an ambulance waiting room.
RCMP say the driver, a 42-year-old woman, allegedly assaulted two paramedics who came to her aid, leaving one with minor injuries.
Island Health said in a statement that no hospital staff or patients were injured.
Paramedics in British Columbia are not hospital employees, but rather work for the BC Emergency Medical Services.
The driver was later detained and detained under the Mental Health Act.
Island Health is in the process of assessing the affected area, and a spokesperson said there was no major structural damage to the building.
Temporary doors were installed in the area and patient access was not affected, the spokesperson said.
The health authority says the emergency department remains open for those with urgent medical needs.
There is currently no exact time frame for when major renovations will begin or how much they will cost.
“We are incredibly grateful for the quick response of all Island Health staff involved and the support of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP,” Island Health said in a statement.
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
