Patients moved after fire breaks out at hospital

An external view of the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital tower block with some trees in the foreground. The building is clad in light-coloured materialImage source, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Image caption,

Firefighters contained the fire on the eighth floor of the building

  • Published

Several patients had to be moved to other wards after a small fire at a hospital.

The fire broke out on the eighth floor of the main tower block at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital just before 08:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the scene and the fire was quickly contained, the trust which runs the hospital said.

It added there was "no ongoing risk" after the fire, which was caused by a battery unit powering a computer, but that some staff needed treatment for smoke inhalation.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said no patients were hurt, but it had moved some to other wards as a precaution.

Chief operating officer Al Sheward said: "In addition to our gratitude to the fire service, we would like to offer sincere thanks to all our colleagues for their prompt and coordinated response.

"Their unwavering focus on patient safety and mutual support truly made a difference. Their efforts were exceptional."

The affected ward is currently being deep cleaned and will remain closed for the time being.

The hospital's 11-storey tower is currently undergoing refurbishment. after a review found a need to upgrade the wards on each floor.

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