A potential security threat locked down much of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital early Friday evening.
Island Health said NRGH was following its "restricted access protocol" due to a potential security situation.
The nature of the security situation was unclear.
"These safety plans are in place at our facilities for the protection of patients, clients, staff and the general public," an Island Health spokesperson told CTV News.
RCMP said the hospital was not under lockdown, but a picture submitted to CTV News shows a sign in front of an NRGH entrance advising of "restricted access and lockdown."
A person claiming to be an employee of the hospital and who wished to remain anonymous said staff were advised over the PA system that most of the building's exit doors had been locked.
The employee said after about three hours, an announcement went out saying restricted access had been lifted.
CTV News has reached out to Island Health for more information on what prompted the order.
