Poots relieved after hospital blaze
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Edwin Poots said it was a huge relief no-one was hurt after a blaze forced the evacuation of five floors of a major hospital in the North.
Around 120 patients had to be rushed to safety when the fire was discovered on the roof of Derry’s 11-storey Altnagelvin Hospital yesterday evening.
Visiting the scene, Mr Poots offered his sympathy to all those whose recovery was disrupted by the fire.
“Last night we witnessed an efficient and effective operation involving the Ambulance Service, police, firefighters and hospital staff to move over 100 vulnerable patients with as little upheaval as possible in difficult circumstances,” he said.
“Today, I have seen how Western Trust staff have kept patient welfare and recovery as their first and most important priorities by making every effort to bring life back to normal.”
Mr Poots spoke with patients and staff during his visit.
The public reaction to the efforts of frontline workers responding to the blaze had been fantastic, he said.
Mr Poots added: “These public servants give us all a reason to be proud.”
Elaine Way, chief executive of the Western Trust, also praised staff and other emergency services.
Almost 50 firefighters in 11 appliances battled the blaze which broke out at about 6.20pm.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service group commander Edward Carroll said the fire was small but its location on the upper levels of the building had warranted a large scale operation.
An investigation into the cause of the outbreak has been launched.
Operations scheduled to take place at the hospital today were postponed.
Mayor of Derry Kevin Campbell also visited the hospital to inspect the damage and personally thank the emergency services for their response.
