Maternity unit declares code black ‘major incident’
The hospital has suffered a blackout.
A hospital has declared a major incident after severe flooding led to a loss of power.
The maternity ward at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been shut after suffering a complete blackout.
Expectant mothers and babies were forced to evacuate the women’s and children’s unit and moved to other parts of the hospital in Lancashire.
Father-to be Damian Vanner said it was ‘a major crisis’.
He told the BBC his pregnant partner ‘had to make a very uncomfortable evacuation from the maternity ward and move to an already overwhelmed day surgery ward’.
Mr Vanner said: ‘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.’
Firefighters are working to clear the water and the situation has been described as a ‘major incident level two’.
Blackpool hospitals chief executive Trish Armstrong-Child said: ‘Overnight, the basement of the Women’s and Children’s Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital experienced severe flooding.
‘This has led to a loss of power and network access to the entire building.
‘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.
‘Outpatient activity due to take place in the Women’s and Children’s Unit is being individually risk assessed and where appropriate diverted.
‘We have contacted patients to cancel or rearrange their appointment as necessary. If you haven’t been contacted, please attend your appointment as normal.
‘Please be assured that all patients within the hospital are safe and continue to receive appropriate care.’
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