Southampton General Hospital hit by power cut as major incident declared

Power is out at Southampton General Hospital as well as at Princess Anne hospital, the maternity hospital adjacent to it, and a major incident has been declared this morning. 

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for running the hospitals, has issued a statement asking people not to attend the hospital except in case of emergency. 

The statement reads: '˜University Hospital Southampton has suffered a major power cut and has declared a major incident. All patients in Southampton General and the Princess Anne hospitals are safe.

'˜All non-urgent activity is cancelled at present. Please do not attend the hospital for non-urgent care such as outpatients, routine x-rays or blood tests.

'˜We are asking relatives not to visit the UHS until further notice. Staff are busy caring at present and we would further ask you not to call switchboard if possible.

'˜The emergency department is closed for all except urgent emergencies.

'˜We will keep you informed as the day goes on and are grateful for your support at present and apologise to those whose care is now delayed.'

Hampshire Fire and Rescue is at the scene, with firefighters from seven fire engines being called to the hospital this morning after a fire in an electrical room. 

The fire service was called at 8.41am and remain at the scene.