Major incident declared after fire causes 'significant damage' at University Hospital Southampton

A major incident has been declared after a fire caused "significant damage" at a hospital.

Fire crews were called to Southampton General Hospital at 5.30am.

More than 200 patients were moved to be cared for in other parts of the site, "including in corridors", a University Hospital Southampton spokesperson said in an update on its website at 4.30pm.

Staff had identified a number of patients "who are able to be discharged today [Sunday]" and "families are being contacted to make suitable arrangements for their collection.

"The impact of the fire has been significant and will limit our ability to fulfil all planned activity tomorrow [Monday].

"This means that some operations will have to be cancelled and we will be contacting all patients affected to make them aware, by telephone, email or text today."

Patients with an outpatient appointment on Monday should attend as planned, "unless they hear directly from us today [Sunday]", the statement said.

An earlier update warned of a "knock-on effect" to some outpatient appointments in the coming days.

The hospital said surrounding roads had been closed by emergency services.

The fire, which began in the hospital's endoscopy unit, was contained and no injuries were reported, it added.

It said the fire caused "significant damage" to part of the hospital but the cause is not yet known.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said at its peak more than 110 firefighters attended the incident.

It said crews remained on the scene to dampen down.

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The hospital said its emergency department was diverting patients away unless their condition "is deemed life or limb threatening".

It said visitors are being asked to stay away and all planned outpatient appointments on Sunday are cancelled.

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