Wards evacuated in hospital fire

Two wards were evacuated after a fire broke out in an electrical cupboard at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

The wards affected were in the renal unit, and about 70 patients had to be moved to other wards in the hospital.

Seven fire engines were called to attend the scene in Oxford Road, south Manchester, when the fire broke out at 1630 BST on Saturday.

Two patients needed treatment for smoke inhalation but there were no serious injuries, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The hospital declared a medical emergency and closed its A&E unit with patients needing emergency treatment transferred elsewhere. It has since reopened.

Minimise disruption

However, there is still no power to the affected area of the Manchester Royal Infirmary, which is in the older part of the building.

There is also smoke and water damage and the two closed wards are expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future, the spokeswoman added.

Hospital chiefs are to meet later on Sunday to work out how to minimise disruption to patients.

Any patients whose treatment may be affected by the blaze would be contacted by hospital staff, a hospital spokesman said.

Firefighters who spent the night at the scene are to remain at the hospital until a meeting with electricians at noon.

Manchester Royal Infirmary is the city's largest general hospital with more than 800 beds.

Martin Hodgson, a director of the Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust, said the hospital's priority had been the safe evacuation of patients, and he praised the co-operation between hospital staff and fire and ambulance services.