Hospital remains in a major incident following a fire which saw 200 patients moved and a "significant amount" of surgeries cancelled

Over 100 firefighters attended the West Wing of the hospital after the blaze was reported at around 5.30am on Sunday, February 1. Approximately 200 patients were evacuated and moved to other areas of the hospital during the incident with fire crews able to contain the fire with no injuries reported.

A major incident was declared and it remains in place on Monday, February 2, with the emergency department closed to anyone whose condition is not life or limb threatening.

A spokesperson for University Hospital Southampton, said: “University Hospital Southampton remains in a major incident today following a fire in the West Wing of Southampton General Hospital yesterday morning.

“When the fire broke out approximately 200 patients were quickly moved to safe areas of the hospital including corridor spaces during the emergency. Following a considerable effort throughout yesterday in repurposing all available space in our hospitals, last night all of those patients were being cared for in beds and on wards.

“The majority remained in Southampton General Hospital, but some patients were transported to hospitals across the area last night in a coordinated mutual aid response with healthcare partners and supported by SCAS. We would like to thank all our partners and the hospitals who helped make this possible – we are extremely grateful for their support.”

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Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have given approval for hospital staff to access some areas of the affected West Wing with some patients moving back to the department. In the rush of evacuation a number of patients are still without their belongings, including mobile phones, with the hospital confirming a team of staff are working to recover belongings and make contact with next of kin.

The spokesperson praised the bravery of staff in the “extremely challenging” circumstances they faced on Sunday. They said: “UHS has a robust emergency plan which is enacted when any incident is declared. The Trust’s incident management team have been working together to coordinate the response to this fire since the alarm was raised at 5.30am on Sunday.

“We would like to take this opportunity to recognise the heroic efforts of our staff in the immediate aftermath of yesterday’s fire, in particular those who swiftly moved patients to safety when the fire broke out.

“The situation has been extremely challenging and we are continuing to work with partners as we continue to prioritise safe patient care.”

While visiting has returned to normal today, the hospital has confirmed that a “significant amount” of planned elective surgery and some outpatient appointments have been cancelled. Patients whose appointments have been cancelled have been contacted directly and the UHS advises if you have not been contacted then you should attend as planned.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust confirmed yesterday that they were supporting UHS with patient care where possible.