More than 100 firefighters attended the blaze
Southampton General Hospital(Image: Hampshire Live / Darren Pepe)
Patients have been evacuated and A&E access restricted after a fire broke out at a hospital in Southampton.
A major incident was declared at Southampton General Hospital when fire crews were called to the site at 5.30am on Sunday. More than 100 firefighters attended the blaze, which is now under control, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said.
The emergency department is dealing with only the most “life or limb-threatening” arrivals, with less serious cases diverted to other facilities. Visiting hours and all planned outpatient appointments have been cancelled for the day.
The hospital added: “Roads surrounding the hospital have been closed by emergency services. Visitors are asked to stay away and all planned outpatient appointments are cancelled today.
“Parking is being made available on site for staff who are coming into work. Our emergency department is currently diverting patients away unless your condition is deemed life or limb-threatening.
“We are asking anyone requiring medical attention to use other services in the community, including the urgent treatment centre at RSH (Royal South Hants Hospital) or Lymington.
No-one was injured in the incident and patients in all affected areas were evacuated safely, the fire service said.
Southampton General Hospital(Image: Hampshire Live / Darren Pepe)
It added: “Crews from across Hampshire were called to reports of a fire at University Hospital Southampton at 5.30am this morning. 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.”
In a post on Facebook, Southampton Test Labour MP Satvir Kaur said: “Huge thanks to our incredible emergency services for containing the situation. You are all incredible.”
In an update, the hospital said the fire broke out within the endoscopy unit at around 5.30am. Approximately 200 patients were evacuated from the affected area of the hospital, with patients now being cared for in others areas, including in corridors.
It added: “We understand news of the fire and subsequent evacuation will cause anxiety for relatives keen to find out how their loved ones are 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.”