NHS hospital declares 'major incident' as entire building loses power

Blackpool's Victoria Hospital has declared a major incident after a power outage.

The NHS hospital says it has lost power across the entire building after it was hit by flooding in the basement of its Women and Children's unit overnight. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the site on Tuesday.

As a result of the damage, the entire hospital is without electricity or network access. Hospital officials said work was ongoing to urgently restore power, while expectant mothers have meanwhile been moved to another part of the building. The situation has been described as a 'major incident level two'. Patients with scheduled elective operations are being asked to rearrange their appointments, and the hospital said it had contacted anyone affected to reschedule operations.

The local NHS Trust has also said that all patients currently staying at the hospital were safe, and were continuing to receive care. A statement released on Tuesday urged people not to attend the hospital unless absolutely vital.

Dad-to-be Damian Vanner described it as a "major crisis", saying his partner had had to make the uncomfortable move to a "an already overwhelmed day surgery ward". He told the BBC: "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."

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Chief Executive of the Trust 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. 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. 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. The hospital’s urgent care pathway is also currently under a lot of pressure. We are appealing to our communities to think before attending our Emergency Department and to use NHS111 for advice and guidance.

“Colleagues from across the executive and senior leadership teams are working closely together and with our partners in the wider care community to ensure the Trust remains focused on this important work and I’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing efforts.”