Patients could face disruption after hospital fire

People due to travel from Guernsey for hospital care could face disruption after a major incident was declared at a hospital in Southampton.

Southampton General Hospital said a fire, which has since been contained, broke out in the endoscopy unit, in the west wing, at 05:30 GMT.

The States of Guernsey said there was no indication any bailiwick patients at the hospital had been affected.

It said anyone who was due to travel to Southampton for planned care on Monday may be contacted if they have been affected.

The States added: "Our off-island team is working to minimise disruption, where possible.

"Appointments needing an overnight bed are cancelled, and we're awaiting confirmation on whether others can go ahead virtually.

"Affected patients will be contacted directly."

It added: "We're working with other NHS hospitals to ensure safe access to emergency medevac care while Southampton manages its incident."

The hospital in Southampon said no-one had been injured and patients in all affected areas had been evacuated to safe areas of the site.

Visitors were asked to stay away and all planned outpatient appointments on Sunday have been cancelled.

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