Women’s hospital at Doncaster Royal Infirmary evacuated this evening

Fire crews have been on the scene after smoke was reported but the evacuation has been due to a large water leak, bosses at the hospital said this evening.

David Purdue, chief nurse at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “Due a large water leak within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Doncaster Royal Infirmary we have evacuated the area and safely moved patients. Nobody has been hurt and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are planning to vacate the site.

“As a result, we are carrying out established contingency plans as appropriate, meaning that patients have now been safely and securely relocated into neighbouring wards on site, whilst those receiving care within the Neonatal Unit are being prepared to be escorted via ambulance to other hospitals within the region. For the next few hours we are diverting admissions to our site at Bassetlaw Hospital, as well as nearby providers. Parents, guardians and family will be contacted to let them know what is happening.

“Following investigations, we believe we will be able to use around half of the building later this evening once power has been restored. We will update on our position in the coming hours when our investigations are complete.”

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said they had six fire engines plus their aerial platform at the hospital earlier this evening as a standby measure.

They had been called out at 5.15pm and have just left the scene, he added.

He said the crews had not had to put any fires out.

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