Probe launched into fire at Covid-19 ward

Scotland’s Fi r s t Minister has praised the efforts of staff at a Lanarkshire hospital after a late night blaze in a Covid-19 ward.

Thirteen coronavirus patients in ward one, as well as other in-patients in adjacent wards at University Hos p i t a l Hairmyres were transferred elsewhere within the building as the fire took hold just before 10pm last Thursday, October 29.

The following day emergency patients were diverted to other county hospitals for treatment.

The swift actions of staff during the fire were commended by leader of the SNP, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who tweeted: “My thoughts are with everyone caught up in what would have been a frightening incident @ wearehairmyres last night. The reports I’ve had about the fire make very clear that staff responded heroically to ensure the safety of patients. Thank you to them.”

Three fire engines as well as police raced to the NHS Lanarkshire site as the fire took hold in ward one.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is now taking place.

Russell Coulthard, site director at University Hospital Hairmyres, said: “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 wellestablished 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.”