Firefighters from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue are continuing to deal with the aftermath of a blaze at Southampton General Hospital, where a major incident was declared earlier this morning.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was called to the hospital site at around 5.30am following reports of a fire. Crews attended the scene quickly, and the fire has since been contained.
Hospital bosses say nobody has been injured as a result of the incident. As a precaution, patients in all affected areas were evacuated to safe parts of the hospital, where they continue to be cared for by clinical staff.
The declaration of a major incident has enabled emergency services and hospital teams to coordinate their response and manage the disruption caused by the fire. Roads surrounding the hospital remain closed this morning to allow emergency services to continue their work, and members of the public are being urged to avoid the area.
Visitors have been asked to stay away from the hospital, and all planned outpatient appointments scheduled for today have been cancelled. Patients affected by these cancellations are expected to be contacted directly with further information about rearranged appointments.
The hospital’s Emergency Department is currently diverting patients elsewhere, unless their condition is considered life or limb threatening. People who need medical help but do not have an emergency are being advised to use other services within the community.
These include the Urgent Treatment Centre at the Royal South Hants Hospital, as well as services available in Lymington. NHS leaders say using these alternatives will help reduce pressure on Southampton General Hospital while the situation continues to be managed.
Parking arrangements have also been put in place for staff, with on-site parking being made available to ensure hospital workers can continue to attend their shifts.
A spokesperson from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue 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."
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