Keep up with Armagh i

Fire Service called to Craigavon Hospital staggering 68 times in 12 months

craigavon hospital

The Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) were called to Craigavon Hospital a staggering 68 times in the past 12 months.

The Health Minister released details following an Assembly question from Upper Bann MLA Jo-anne Dobson this week.

However, most of the visits – 56 – were put down to false alarms, while three were not false alarms but needed no further action.

There was one hazardous materials incident, one suicide attempt, one vehicle incident and three building incidents.

The revelation comes in the wake of a number of reported incidents on the site.

Two weeks ago the NIFRS were called on subsequent days over separate incidents.

In February, excrement poured from the ceiling of a patient’s bedroom covering another in the waste.

A Trust spokesperson said: “Local people will appreciate just how busy the Craigavon site is every day and ensuring the safety of the hundreds of thousands of people who come on to the site each year is our absolute priority.

“There are ill and vulnerable patients in the hospital and we treat every incident very seriously and the Fire Service is contacted on each occasion as a precaution.

“A number of estates and development works are taking place on the site at present which adds to the complexity of an already busy site.

“We have robust fire detection systems, dedicated fire safety staff, compulsory fire training for each member of staff, simulated fire drills and a very vigilant workforce which means that if there is an incident, alarms are raised immediately and health and safety procedures activated.

“There have been a number of minor incidents on the Craigavon Area Hospital site recently for which the Fire Service has been in attendance. Thankfully no one has been injured through any of these recent events and whilst there has been some very temporary traffic disruption, no services were affected.

“As with any incident, a robust review of the Trust’s response is undertaken to identify key learning points and resulting actions.

“We would like to thank our staff and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for their ongoing support and to all of those who use our services for their understanding and co-operation.”

Read more news:

Unionists’ anger as Irish tricolour is erected outside Presbyterian church

Three county Armagh businesses targeted by thieves overnight

Man charged with litany of offences after being found in McDonald’s toilet

PSNI’s Easter road campaign is puntastic – but has a eggcellent message

Man carrying toy gun causes huge traffic congestion in Armagh

Man arrested in McDonald’s toilet following burglary

Council remain in the dark over contentious grass cutting issue

Major ‘open space’ project next exciting step in redevelopment of former military base

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

NEWRY – SHOP LOCAL

More in Craigavon