KILGORE (KYTX) – The Good Shepherd Kilgore ER will be closed 2-3 weeks due to bat infestation, according to its Marketing Director, Jennifer Ware. Ware tells CBS 19, residents of Kilgore will need to go to Longview for emergency services. There are two Good Shepherd locations in Longview. 

Ware says the hospital is still trying to figure out how the bats got inside of the hospital. 

We will update this story as more information is released.

Longview locations:

700 E. Marshall Ave.

323 East Hawkins Pkwy, Suite D.

 

KILGORE (KYTX) – The Good Shepherd Kilgore ER is closed due to a bat infestation found inside the building.

Several small bats have been found present in the walls and ceiling of the building, according to Kilgore Police.

The hospital reduced available rooms and portions of the ED due to the bats and have been on ambulance diversion due to the reduced capacity of the facility.

Good Shepherd is working in conjunction with the City of Kilgore and Allegiance Specialty Hospital, who own and manage the building, to address the prompt removal of the bats.

A wildlife expert specializing in bat removal is on site evaluating the situation and providing guidance.

Good Shepherd wrote in a statement:

“At this time we believe it is in the best interest of our patients and our staff to temporarily cease our ER services until the situation is resolved. This decision is not made lightly but is necessary for minimizing the risk of contact with the bats.

The safety of our staff and patients always comes first, and we appreciate the hard work by the City of Kilgore and Allegiance to resolve the situation quickly. We look forward to resuming the full spectrum of emergency care services as soon as possible.”