More than 200 patients evacuated as ‘major emergency’ declared at Wexford General Hospital following fire

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pledged Government support following the evacuation of more than 200 patients on Wednesday after a fire broke out at Wexford General Hospital.

A “major emergency” was declared at the 280-bed hospital because of the blaze which has now been brought under control. An investigation is underway to establish where and how the fire started.

A spokesman for the hospital on Wednesday night said the transfer of patients to other facilities will take up to 24 hours, and that all elective and outpatient appointments in the hospital have been cancelled for Thursday and Friday of this week.

On Wednesday night, Mr Varadkar praised firefighters and other personnel involved in getting the situation under control.

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“This terrible incident strikes to the heart of the community in Wexford and the broader region,” he said.

“Our thoughts are also with the hundreds of patients who have had to be evacuated from the hospital, as well as their families, and the staff and management dealing with this unprecedented situation.”

He said he would be updated on Thursday and that his Government would do “whatever is required in the aftermath of this emergency”.

Images posted to social media showed smoke billowing from the building. The HSE said there were no casualties but part of the building’s roof collapsed in the fire.

Wexford Fire Service said it received an emergency call at about 3.45pm on Wednesday.

“Five fire appliances, one high reach appliance and one water tanker were deployed to the site. It appears the fire started in the plant room area of the hospital,” a statement from the fire service said.

In a statement on Wednesday night, gardaí said the fire is now “under control” and the fire service “will have a presence at the hospital overnight as a precaution”.

“There is significant water damage to the hospital. As a result, a full evacuation of WGH is currently under way. No injuries or accidents to patients or staff have been reported. Over 200 patients are being transferred to a number of different hospitals,” the statement said.

“The national ambulance service are working with the hospital to treat patients and transport them to hospitals in Kilkenny, Cork and Dublin.”

Gardaí said the hospital is co-ordinating with the relevant authorities to find the location and cause of the fire and to assess the damage.

“We would ask the public not to come to the hospital and to stay away from the area. Anyone requiring emergency care in the Wexford region should attend their closest alternative accident and emergency service,” they added. “A helpline for patient’s families and their loved ones will be set up as soon as possible to deal with queries.”

It is understood a crisis management team is now in place.

A spokesman for the hospital said members of the public who have queries regarding a transfer of a loved one or family member should ring the helpline on 053-9153012.

On the cancellation of appointments, the spokesman said the hospital will not be in direct contact with affected patients “as the technology needed is not currently operational”.

“If your appointment is in Ely hospital, your appointment will proceed as normal. We’d also like to reiterate that the accidents and emergency in WGH is closed until further notice,” the spokesman added.

In a tweet, the National Ambulance Service said it has “multiple emergency vehicles assisting with the transfer of patients at Wexford General Hospital at present. Please only call us in the case of real emergencies”.

People were advised to avoid the area if possible, and those living in the area were told to close their doors and windows.

Earlier, cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council George Lawlor said the local authority had offered substantial office space as emergency accommodation for patients but they were likely to be sent to other hospitals in the region.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime programme earlier on Wednesday, he said it appeared the blaze was being brought under control although there was a considerable volume of smoke in the area.

The Ireland East Hospital Group said in a statement: “Wexford General Hospital can confirm there was a fire in the hospital today.

“The hospital is co-ordinating with the relevant authorities.”

Wexford County Council issued a tweet asking everyone to avoid the area of the hospital as a result of the fire.

“Anyone living in close proximity, close windows and doors and turn off all air ventilation.”

David Cullinane, Sinn Féin’s health spokesman, said it was a “very serious incident”, adding that his “thoughts are with patients and staff at Wexford General Hospital”.

“I want to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded and offer my full support to hospital management as they deal with this extremely difficult and challenging situation,” he said.

“Our main priority has to be to support patients, their families and staff and the safety of patients and staff must come first.” – Additional reporting PA