AN electrical fault is believed to have started the blaze in Warrington Hospital’s Kendrick Wing yesterday afternoon – the oldest part of the hospital estate.
The Ophthalmology department has suffered smoke and water damage as a result of the fire and patients that are due to attend for outpatients appointments on Monday (March 26) should not attend and will be contacted to reschedule their appointments.
Patients requiring emergency eye treatments should attend the Ophthalmology Day Case Unit, First Floor Appleton Wing. Patients due to have eye procedures are unaffected and should attend Appleton Wing as normal.
Breast Services, Surgical Appliances and Cardiorespiratory Services located in Kendrick wing are all open as normal and patients should continue to attend for their appointments unless contacted directly. No other parts of the hospital were affected.
A Hospital spokesperson said: “All staff and patients were safely evacuated and our thanks to Cheshire and Merseyside Fire and Rescue and Cheshire Police for their prompt response and action.The cause of the fire is being investigated but early indicators are that it was electrical.
“Extensive fire safety precautions that have been undertaken over the past 18months in this most aged part of our estate played their part in preventing the fire from spreading and causing further damage.
“The fire was quickly brought under control and salvage and securing of the building is underway.
“Our sincere apologies to all patients, visitors and members of the public that were inconvenienced today as a consequence of the fire – we thank you for your patience and understanding.”
An image posted on social media
