Patients and babies transferred after major water leak at Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Doncaster

An emergency evacuation was ordered at the hospital – part of the Doncaster Royal Infirmary site – after a large water leak was detected at around 5.30pm yesterday.

The water affected electrics in the hospital, prompting bosses to arrange for 67 patients to be transferred to neighbouring wards or other hospitals in the region.

David Purdue, Chief Nurse at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “At around 5.30pm on Tuesday, April 27, a large water leak occurred within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, unfortunately making contact with some electrical mains. Thankfully, nobody was harmed, and we began to evacuate the building.

“Following established contingency plans, 67 patients were safely and securely relocated to neighbouring wards on site, whilst some of those receiving care within our Neonatal Unit were escorted via a specialist service to other hospitals within the region.

“Since this time, power has been safely restored to some sections of the building, and a number of services returned.

“While a full investigation will take place, the damage looks to be quite extensive in the affected areas, and we will begin repair works as soon as possible.

“W e ask patients to check our website www.dbth.nhs.uk for further updates, as well as any changes to affected appointments and clinics in the coming days.

“Finally, I would like to share my thanks with colleagues who reacted calmly, decisively, and professionally this evening – typifying the very best of the NHS.”

All scanning and antenatal appointments are due to go ahead today as normal..

All routine inpatient and day case procedures are cancelled today, but endoscopy, urgent and cancer work will continue.

Emergency Departments are operating as normal, with anyone requiring urgent attention asked to attend.

Firefighters were among those involved in the emergency response to the incident.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Six fire engines and a turntable ladders responded to this incident.

“Well done to everyone who responded.”

Health bosses stressed that nobody was hurt during yesterday’s incident.

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