Patients evacuated from hospital ward after blaze

More than 100 patients were evacuated from a hospital ward today after a blaze.

The fire broke out at about 2am at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) on a ward where patients were recovering from surgery.

An ARI spokeswoman said 109 patients were moved to other parts of the hospital.

Fifty firefighters tackled the blaze, a spokesman for Grampian Fire and Rescue Service said.

The fire broke out in a room in Ward 34, a general surgical ward.

The ARI spokeswoman said all patients and staff were safely accounted for.

She said: Patients were evacuated from that ward. The majority were recovering after their operations.

"Patients from wards in the vicinity of ward 34 were also evacuated as a precaution.

"A total of 109 patients have been evacuated and accommodated elsewhere in the hospital."

Dr Pauline Strachan, chief operating officer for NHS Grampian, praised the actions of staff and firefighters.

She said: "Our top priority has been, and remains, the safety of our patients and our staff and to maintain our hospital services.

"Our senior nurses and managers co-ordinated the moving of patients.

"They continue to co-ordinate activity to make sure there is continuity of care for patients, which includes maintaining their medicines, treatments and medical notes, and that the hospital continues to be able to deliver the services required.

"The response of staff has been excellent. Staff have worked very hard to ensure that patients are properly looked after, while being moved to and settled into other parts of the hospital.

"I would also like to thank the emergency services for their quick and efficient work and the support they have given our staff."

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service have launched an investigation into the blaze. A spokesman said 50 fire-fighters and six fire engines were called to the ward, which is in a four-storey hospital building.