BLACKPOOL Victoria Hospital has declared a “major incident” after the entire building lost power – with its maternity ward evacuated.
The hospital suffered a blackout after the basement of its Women and Children’s Unit flooded overnight.
Blackpool Victoria Hospital has lost power
The entire hospital is still without electricity or network access, with expectant mothers moved to another part of the building.
The NHS Trust said all patients currently staying at the hospital are safe and are continuing to receive care after fire crews scrambled to the scene.
Patients with scheduled elective operations have been asked to rearrange their appointments, and other locals are being urged to not visit unless essential.
NHS Trust boss Trish Armstrong-Child said: “Overnight, the basement of the Women’s and Children’s Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital experienced severe flooding.
“This has led to a loss of power and network access to the entire building.
“We have received support from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to reduce the localised flooding.
“Further work is required today to clear the area of standing water.
“Due to this incident, we have contacted patients to rearrange their elective surgery where necessary.
“If you haven’t been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned.
She added: “Outpatient activity due to take place in the Women’s and Children’s Unit is being individually risk assessed and where appropriate diverted.
“We have contacted patients to cancel or rearrange their appointment as necessary.
“If you haven’t been contacted, please attend your appointment as normal.
“Please be assured that all patients within the hospital are safe and continue to receive appropriate care.
“The hospital’s urgent care pathway is also currently under a lot of pressure.
“We are appealing to our communities to think before attending our Emergency Department and to use NHS111 for advice and guidance.”
Earlier today the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff triggered its highest-level “black alert” because of “significant and sustained demand”.
The local health board said that the Emergency Unit is particularly affected, and that the hospital is working to speed up the discharge of “medically fit” patients.
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