Blackpool maternity unit closes after 'major incident' flood

Father-to-be Damian Vanner said his pregnant partner had to make "a very uncomfortable evacuation from the maternity ward"

A major incident has been declared at a hospital after severe flooding on a women and children's unit.

Flooding in the basement on Monday led to a loss of power and access to the entire building at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the chief executive said.

Expectant mothers have been moved to other wards within the hospital where they "continue to receive appropriate care", the hospital said.

Father-to-be Damian Vanner said it was "a major crisis".

He said his pregnant partner had been induced and "had to make a very uncomfortable evacuation from the maternity ward and move to an already overwhelmed day surgery ward".

"After speaking with staff and overhearing rushed working contractors the conclusion appears to be that an over-spill of sewerage has come into contact with with electrical distribution board for a large section of the hospital," he said.

A spokesman for the hospital said the cause of the flood was unknown.

The cause of the flood is currently unknown

Chief executive Trish Armstrong-Child said: "We have received support from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to reduce the localised flooding, but 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.

"Outpatient activity due to take place in the women's and children's unit is being individually risk assessed and where appropriate diverted."