200 patients evacuated after fire results in major incident at Southampton hospital - as QA offers support
Around 200 patients had to be evacuated as a major incident was declared at University Hospital Southampton this morning following a fire.
More than 100 firefighters from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were called to Southampton General Hospital at 5.30am before containing the fire.
A spokesperson said earlier: “Nobody has been injured as a result of the fire and patients in all affected areas have been evacuated to safe areas of the hospital.”
Roads surrounding the hospital were closed by emergency services as visitors were asked to stay away and all planned outpatient appointments were cancelled today. Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth is supporting the hospital by giving care to patients where possible.
Parking was being made available on site for staff who are coming into work. The Emergency Department is currently diverting patients away unless their condition is deemed life or limb threatening.
Now in an updated statement, the hospital said: “The fire broke out within our endoscopy unit at around 5.30am. We evacuated approximately 200 patients from the affected area of the hospital who are currently being cared for in other areas, including in corridors. No patients or staff were injured in the fire.
“We understand news of the fire and subsequent evacuation will cause anxiety for relatives keen to find out how their loved ones are and where they are now situated within the hospital.
“We are working hard to utilise all available space and move patients into other wards and departments where possible. Our telephone lines are exceptionally busy and would ask people to bear with us and refrain from calling unless urgent.
“Our Emergency Department is still receiving patients from the immediate vicinity whose condition is deemed life or limb threatening but asking anyone needing urgent treatment to go elsewhere and utilise the Urgent Treatment Centres at the Royal South Hants hospital in Southampton and Lymington, visit local pharmacies or call and take advice from 111.
“The fire has caused significant damage to part of the hospital site which will have a knock-on effect in the immediate coming days in relation to some outpatient appointments. All appointments today have been cancelled and patients should wait to hear from us directly.
“We are asking visitors to stay away from Southampton General Hospital today as we continue to respond to the incident.”
A fire service spokesperson said: “Crews from across Hampshire were called to reports of a fire at University Hospital Southampton at 5.30am this morning (1 February).
“At its peak, more than 110 firefighters were mobilised to the incident. Breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and an Aerial Ladder Platform are in use. The fire is now under control; crews remain on scene to dampen down. Nobody has been injured as a result of the fire and patients in all affected areas have been evacuated to safe areas of the hospital.”
Queen Alexandra Hospital is supporting the Southampton hospital. A spokesperson said: “Our teams are working closely together to keep patients safe and ensure people can receive care when they need it across all Hampshire and Isle of Wight hospitals and services.
“Please help us protect emergency care for those who need it most. Only attend our Emergency Departments if you have a life or limb emergency. Help by using other services such as your GP, Pharmacy or NHS 111 online or by phone if you do not need emergency care.
“If your friend or loved one has been told they are ready to leave hospital, please collect them as soon as you can. This creates vital space for patients who urgently need care. Thank you for your support and understanding.”