Firefighters tackle blaze in hospital coronavirus ward

Firefighters have tackled a blaze which broke out in a Covid ward at a hospital in South Lanarkshire.

Three fire engines went to the scene at University Hospital Hairmyres, East Kilbride, after the alarm was raised at 9.45pm on Thursday.

Patients in ward one, where the fire started, and from the adjacent wards were moved to other parts of the hospital.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which was on the first floor of the building, and left the scene after making it safe.

NHS Lanarkshire said emergency patients are currently being diverted to the most appropriate hospitals due to the damage and disruption caused by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

Russell Coulthard, site director at University Hospital Hairmyres, said: “A fire broke out just before 10pm last night in ward one at University Hospital Hairmyres. Site staff immediately raised the alarm and all patients were safely removed from the area.

“Ward one is a Covid ITU ward with 13 patients. All patients have been managed safely, with patients within the ward and the adjacent wards moved to other parts of the hospital. No patients have been transferred off site.

“Emergency services fully extinguished the fire and the fire service has declared the site safe.

“Due to the damage and disruption of the fire, emergency patients are currently being diverted to the most appropriate hospitals. We would like to ask everyone to think carefully before attending the hospital A&E as quicker, alternative solutions could be available. We would like to thank the public for their patience and support at this time.

“We are drawing on well-established arrangements to provide ongoing medical care as appropriate. Robust control measures are in place to ensure the safety of patients and staff and the situation continues to be monitored very closely.

“Finally, we would like to thank all staff who were magnificent in their response, putting patient safety first.

“Investigations are ongoing.”

University Hospital Hairmyres is a district general hospital with a 24-hour accident and emergency department and has more than 400 beds.