Islanders could face care disruption after hospital fire

People due to travel from Jersey to England for medical care could face disruption after a major incident was declared at one UK hospital over the weekend.

Southampton General Hospital said a "significant" fire broke out in the endoscopy unit on its west wing at 05:30 GMT on Sunday.

Just after 16:30, the hospital added that, while the blaze was contained, its impact had led to a number of scheduled operations for Monday being cancelled.

The States of Jersey said that, while it had "received no indication" of any island patients at the hospital being affected, anyone due to receive planned treatment there would be notified directly should problems arise.

The States added: "Health and Care Jersey are aware that a fire was detected in the endoscopy unit at Southampton General Hospital in the early hours of 1 February.

"We have received no indication that this has affected any patients from Jersey, but are awaiting confirmation from Southampton.

"If services to islanders travelling for appointments on Monday are affected, we will contact them directly."

A Southampton General Hospital spokesperson said no-one was injured in the fire and patients were evacuated from all affected wards to safe areas of the site.

More than 110 firefighters attended the blaze at its peak, which also saw surrounding roads closed.

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

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