Hospital wards hit by flood caused by burst pipe

Firefighters were called to the Gilbert Bain Hospital early on Thursday morning to pump out a flood at the entrance to Ward 3 and Maternity. The flood happened when fresh cold water pipe burst at 4am. Water also got into the dental suite and the out patient department.

The flood did not affect areas where patients were sleeping and no patients had to be evacuated, although the hospital described the damage as “extensive” in some areas. The main damage was to the lift areas, office space and day room space in Ward 3. Patient services were largely unaffected.

The fire service attended and electrical, water and fire alarm services were assessed as safe and restored by 6am. A hospital spokesman said that as the water was clean there was no risk of infection. All information technology systems remained fully operational.

A major clean up operation was underway on Thursday and the extent of the damage was being assessed. Most patient services continued as normal except those at the Gilbert Bain dental suite, which was closed for the day. Patients were contacted wherever possible.

In Maternity the damage was in the area currently being refurbished. Some areas in Ward 3 are still out of bounds, and anybody needing to access this ward and Maternity should enter via the link corridors from Ward 1 and Ronas Ward, so that the lift to Maternity and Ward 3 can be kept clear to aid the clean-up operation.

Chief Executive of NHS Shetland Sandra Laurenson said: “I would like to reassure the folk of Shetland that, for the most part, it will be business as usual at the Gilbert Bain Hospital. I would also like to thank all the staff on night duty and those who attended the hospital in the middle of the night to assess damage, assist with the clean-up operation and get services up and running so quickly.”