By Sofia Lambis, News Investigations Editor
On Thursday afternoon patients from St Michael's Hospital maternity unit were evacuated after a fire broke out.
The fire was reported at around 4.30pm and drew in police, fire and ambulance services.
Large plumes of smoke could be seen from across Bristol. University students Joe and Fin were in the Wills Library when they first saw the smoke. "I thought it was coming from the uni. We came up to the main campus and I started smelling smoke. We saw patients being evacuated." One witness from a nearby flat counted 12 fire engines at the scene.
Pregnant women and mothers carrying newborn babies evacuated the maternity ward. Some patients were in labour and were taken into the University's Life Sciences Building. Midwives brought out fruit and milk for the evacuated patients and transported medical equipment from the hospital.
One couple were brought into the Arts and Social Sciences Library with their five-day-old daughter. They had just left an outpatient appointment when the alarm was raised.
St Michael's Hill was closed to vehicles and pedestrians and police encouraged people to avoid the area. The fire was extinguished within the hour and the hospital reopened to patients at 19:00.
A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said
“Crews from Temple, Yate, Southmead, Bedminster, Hicks Gate, Patchway, Kingswood, Nailsea, Avonmouth, Weston-Super-Mare were called at 4.23pm to reports of a fire on the roof of a hospital involving solar panels on Southwell Street, Bristol.
“Upon arrival, crews located a fire on the roof of the building and began firefighting efforts.
“The hospital was partially evacuated at the time of the incident. We can confirm that the fire has now been extinguished...Police crews remain on scene to assist with traffic and cordon management. Some cordons are expected to be lifted.
“No injuries or casualties have been reported.
“The cause of the fire is unknown. A full investigation will take place following the incident.”
Professor Stuart Walker, Hospital Managing Director at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust said
“Thank you to our amazing staff who worked closely with the fire service to partially evacuate the hospital.
“The hospital, including the delivery suite, has now reopened to women who need to access our services and people with appointments tomorrow should attend as planned."
