After several days of being shuttered, Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center hospital and medical services sprang back into action Sunday, Jan. 26, after securing all required county and state approvals following the repair of a water-main break.

The emergency department, urgent care and pharmacy were fully operational and all scheduled appointments were expected to resume on Monday.

“We look forward to welcoming back our patients and want to express our deepest gratitude to them and the entire community for their understanding during this past week,” said Murtaza Sanwari, senior vice president and area manager, Woodland Hills Medical Center in a prepared statement.

The hospital lost water service Jan. 18 after what was supposed to be a temporary overnight shutdown as part of planned maintenance work at the medical center on De Soto Ave. near the 101 Freeway in Woodland Hills. The problems forced surgeries to be canceled and doctor’s appointments to be postponed.

A temporary water line was installed at one point. But when crews went to restore the service, they discovered a more extensive leak resulting in major repairs, Kaiser officials said.

After several temporary attempts to make those necessary repairs, operations were resumed after the testing process was finalized.

Kaiser patients on their way to the center were grateful to hear the news.

Cynthia Cerda, who lives in nearby Canoga Park with her family, has weekly doctor visits because she is past the due date with her second child.  Last week she had to trek to Panorama City.

“I’m happy they are open today because I didn’t have to go that far,” said

Ryan Harper of Reseda said he was taking advantage of the reopening and was headed to the site’s urgent care services on Sunday.

Harper wasn’t put out during the temporary closure last week, because he didn’t have an appointment.

“But, I have to come back tomorrow because my son has an appointment,” he said. “I’m happy it will be open tomorrow, so I don’t have to go to Panorama City.”