Some Bailiwick patients have had their appointments cancelled after a major incident was declared at Southampton General Hospital.
A fire broke out in the endoscopy unit early yesterday morning, with fire fighters called to the scene at 05:30.
Around 200 patients are reported to have been moved to other wards, and corridors temporarily, as a result of the blaze.
A family staying at one of the flats owned by the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation said they could smell the fire.
Jo Priaulx said “thankfully there was no impact and no one (staying in the PPBF flats) was hurt” but there “was a lot of commotion and chaos”.
“They (the hospital) needed to re-bed around 200 patients, which they finally managed by around 8pm,” added Mrs Priaulx. “There were beds and patients absolutely everywhere.
She added that the children’s ward end of the hospital “was the closest safe place for the evacuated patients”.
The photo at the top of the page was taken from the entrance to Isaac’s Pad, showing how close the families were to the incident. Isaac’s Pad is one of three flats owned by the charity for use by families of premature or poorly infants and children.
Guernsey’s Health and Social Care department confirmed yesterday that no Bailiwick patients were affected by the fire. However, the knock on impact of the fire on the hospital’s operations today means some patients are now affected.
Patients travelling to Southampton today, and expecting to stay overnight, were told their appointments have been cancelled, while the prospect of virtual appointments was being explored for some patients.
Dermot Mullin, the Director of Operations for Health and Social Care, said that anyone due to travel to Southampton Hospital would receive new instructions from the Off-Island Team.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and remain in contact with our NHS partners as they coordinate their response,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the patients and staff as they work to manage the situation safely.
“At this stage, we have received no indication that any Bailiwick patients currently receiving care at Southampton have been affected.
“For patients due to travel to Southampton for planned care (on Monday), our Off-Island Team is working to put alternative arrangements in place, wherever possible, to minimise disruption. Unfortunately, appointments requiring an overnight bed tomorrow have been cancelled. We are awaiting confirmation whether others will proceed virtually. All affected patients will be contacted directly. Anyone with concerns about upcoming travel for treatment can email travel@gov.gg.
“While Southampton manages its major incident, we are working with NHS partners at other hospitals to activate contingency plans and ensure safe, timely access to treatment for any emergency medevac cases.”