Patients treated after chemical spill at Watford maternity unit
"We would like to thank our staff, police and fire and rescue colleagues for their prompt and efficient response"
Last updated 26th Jan 2023
Patients have been treated in A & E after an "accidental spillage of cleaning fluids" at Watford General Hospital's maternity ward.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals have thanked staff, police and fire crews for their "prompt and efficient response."
We're told some people have been treated for the effects.
"It has not been necessary to evacuate patients and there is no disruption to A&E which remains open"
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it "was called at 10:35am this morning to reports of a spillage of cleaning chemicals in the maternity unit at Watford General Hospital."
"Several fire engines and a decontamination unit were sent to the scene as a precaution.
"Firefighters in breathing apparatus have been cleaning up, ventilating the area and making sure the area is safe. The fire service has now left the scene."
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals has released the following statement:
"We would like to reassure the public that we are working closely with our partners in Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to coordinate a response to an incident in the Women’s and Children’s building at Watford General Hospital this morning."
"The incident was caused by the accidental spillage of cleaning fluids. Some people were treated for the effects in our emergency department.
"It has not been necessary to evacuate patients and there is no disruption to the emergency department (A&E) which remains open.
"Women in labour or requiring urgent care should still arrive as usual where they will be escorted into the Women’s and Children’s building.
"If you have a maternity, paediatric or ophthalmology appointment this afternoon, please assume it is going ahead but be prepared for a delay to your appointment time.
"We would like to thank our staff, police and fire and rescue colleagues for their prompt and efficient response."