Fire Breaks Out in Renal Unit at Charing Cross Hospital
Damage means some patients may temporarily be cared for at alternative units
London Fire Brigade says four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a small fire at the Fulham Palace Road hospital in the early hours of Wednesday, 7 November.
A small area on the first floor was damaged by fire. Approximately 20 people were evacuated as a precaution before being allowed to return to the building a short time later.
The Brigade says it was called at 3.36am and the fire was under control at 4.59am. Fire crews from Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington and Chiswick fire stations attended the scene.
Charing Cross has released a statement about the incident, saying: "In the early hours of Wednesday 7 November, the London Fire Brigade was called to a small fire on a renal unit at Charing Cross Hospital. No patients were in the unit at the time.
"A small number of patients from a nearby ward were briefly moved to a fire assembly point as a precaution.
"All inpatients will continue to have their treatment in the part of the unit which is undamaged and has been declared safe. Temporary arrangements are being put in place for some renal outpatient care to be provided at alternative units in north west London. Affected patients are being contacted directly."
Trust chief executive Professor Tim Orchard said: "I’d like to give a big thank you to staff and patients for their co-operation in swiftly responding to this incident, as well as the London Fire Brigade.
"I know the team are now working hard to keep patient disruption to an absolute minimum."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
November 9, 2018
