The Emergency Department at Weston General Hospital reopened at 8am today (Tuesday) after being temporarily closed due to a fire on Monday afternoon.
The blaze was first reported to Avon Fire and Rescue Service at 4.12pm on Monday, prompting the evacuation of all patients and staff from the department. The fire originated within the emergency department itself.
Despite the disruption, the Bristol NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that there were no injuries resulting from the incident. The department remained closed for the rest of Monday after firefighters extinguished the fire.
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In a statement posted on Facebook, the trust advised that the emergency department will resume normal operating hours from 8am to 10pm daily. Patients requiring urgent care are now asked to access the unit via the hospital’s main entrance.
“Following the fire, all patients and staff were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported,” a spokesperson for the Bristol NHS Foundation Trust said. “We are grateful to our staff and emergency service partners for their swift response and support during this incident.”
An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson outlined the firefighting efforts: “Upon receiving reports at 4.12pm on 27 July, crews from across Avon quickly responded to the fire at Weston General Hospital. Using breathing apparatus, jets, hose reels, and specialist equipment, firefighters brought the situation under control and successfully extinguished the blaze. Police and ambulance services were also present to assist with the safe evacuation.”