Health Services Under Pressure After Southampton Hospital Fire

(c) Sky News

Health services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are facing ongoing pressure following a fire at Southampton General Hospital, which has led to the loss of more than 200 beds.

The incident happened on Sunday morning (February 1), prompting NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board to declare a major incident.

Some patients have since been transferred to hospitals in Portsmouth, Winchester and Basingstoke, while GP practices and community services are working to provide more care closer to home.

Dr Lara Alloway, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Chief Medical Officer, said although patients were safely evacuated thanks to emergency crews and hospital staff, the long-term impact will be felt across the region.

She warned the loss of bed space in Southampton and increased demand elsewhere will create “significant challenges” during one of the NHS’s busiest periods.

Several wards at Southampton remain closed due to fire, smoke or water damage.

Residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being urged to only attend A&E for life-threatening conditions, use NHS 111 for advice, and continue using GP and pharmacy services where possible.

People are also encouraged to support hospital discharge plans, helping to free up beds for those who need urgent care.

Sky article on the original incident can be found here: Major incident declared after fire causes 'significant damage' at University Hospital Southampton | UK News | Sky News