Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) declared a “code black” after a person made a bomb threat against the hospital at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning (October 31), but police have since determined the threat was unfounded.
“While we have no evidence to verify the threat, we do have a responsibility to take all threats seriously,” reads a media release from the hospital.
As part of the PRHC’s emergency procedure, the hospital immediately declared a “code black” — an emergency code in response to a bomb threat.
“Police have been notified and are on site,” reads the media release. “A perimeter lockdown has been initiated. Patients are able to access the hospital only through the emergency department and are being screened prior to entry.”
The hospital asked all patients and family members to delay coming to the hospital until the situation is resolved.
“We understand how frightening this news will be for all those impacted including their family, friends and loved ones,” the media release states. “We will keep the hospital and broader community informed as more information becomes available.”
At 12:11 p.m. on Tuesday, Peterborough police posted on X (formerly Twitter) that they have investigated the threat and determined it was unfounded.
“There is no concern for public safety,” police added.
Police have responded to a threat reported at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Through investigation it was determined the threat was unfounded. There is no concern for public safety.
— Peterborough Police (@PtboPolice) October 31, 2023
At 2 p.m., PRHC issued an updated statement that police had conducted a full search of the hospital building and the situation has been resolved. The perimeter lockdown at the hospital has been lifted and normal activities have resumed.
“Our thanks to patients, families and the people of our community for patience, cooperation and support as we have worked to respond to and resolve this situation,” reads the statement.
The original version of this story has been updated with a statement from police and an updated statement from PRHC.
