Monday 27th June 2011
Fire damage images courtesy of MPE Photographics

After reports emerged this morning that Chesterfield Hospital did not have a sprinkler system in place at the time of the fire on Saturday night the Board has today issued a statement.

They say that, "A sprinkler system would not have affected an electrical fire of this nature. This hospital meets all the latest standards for fire prevention and safety and is fully compliant with current law. Investment in the main entrance (fire doors and shields) helped to prevent this fire from spreading further. They did the job they were intended to do. There is no legal requirement for sprinkler systems, but it is an issue the trust will review with experts when the time comes to re-design the entrance facilities."


The devestated shop in the main reception area where the majority of the fire was contained

They have also commented on the cost of any repairs needed to the area affected by the fire, which tore through the main entrance, A&E and fracture clinics just before 9.20pm.

Again, as part of the statement, they added that, "We have no idea at the present time. Assessors are on the scene. It is likely to be in the 'millions' (the main entrance alone cost well over £1 million to create three years ago) - but firm figures will not be known for some time.  We will update as soon as we know."

The hospital also took the opportunity to update residents on the services at the hospital today,confirming that A&E is up and running as usual but with smaller reception facilities.

No appointments or operations cancelled because of the fire. Staff on hand to help people to book in - escorts helping to direct. The Fracture clinic and orthopaedic outpatients is now based on Staveley Ward with visitors there encouraged to use the visitor's entrance and to park in car parks 5 and 6.

Chief Executive, Eric Morton said: "It is a testament to staff that we are up and running less than 48 hours after this tragic event. They have worked incredibly hard to ensure temporary facilities are in place, so that patient care is affected as little as possible. We know that there will be some inconvenience, but we are certain patients appreciate that we are operating under very difficult circumstances.

"The Royal is very resiliant and our attitude from the start was 'it's happened, now let's sort it'.  Remarkably, on Sunday evening, the CT scanner in Mansfield went down - so we have been providing that service for patients in Nottinghamshire since then. To be able to help after such a major incident is a remarkable achievement."

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