Patient burned in suspected hospital vaping fire

The patient's breathing equipment melted into the blanket and bed sheets

A patient burned her head when vaping while wearing an oxygen mask, a hospital trust has alleged.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) said the fire happened last month as a woman in her 50s was being treated in a side room at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The blaze was so hot it melted her oxygen mask and its tube into the blanket and bed sheet. The floor of the room was also scorched.

STSFT said the patient was previously seen vaping and was warned of the dangers it posed. The fire service said an investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze is continuing.

The woman's burn injuries were treated and she has remained in hospital for further care.

A spokesperson for STSFT praised staff working on the ward for their quick actions at the time.

"They turned the oxygen off and put out the fire with an extinguisher, stopping it from spreading and causing further injury and damage."

The trust said some staff have faced verbal abuse when challenging people smoking or vaping in the hospital

In the last six months, six smoking incidents and 11 vaping incidents had been formally reported within the trust's hospital buildings.

On several occasions, those involved had been verbally abusive and refused to follow the rules, STSFT said.

Fire alarms were also set off on a three further occasions, involving a cigarette, a vape and a cigar, the trust added.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) spokesperson said: "A fire investigation is currently under way regarding this incident, however at this time no cause has been determined.

"In the meantime, TWFRS emphasise that smoking or vaping whist using oxygen therapy is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury."