The busy Laidlaw unit at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport poses a fire safety risk to patients.
The outpatient diagnostic and rehabilitation unit has been deemed unfit for purpose.
Issues highlighted
It has an ‘inadequate’ alarm system and fire safety strategy, according to an Isle of Wight NHS Trust Board report.
Should a fire happen in the roof of the ward, relevant people would not be alerted due to its disconnected fire alarm system.
It is disconnected, the trust says, due to asbestos in the roof which means there is an inability to safely maintain it.
Minimal warning of the fire
The safe evacuation of patients will also be compromised as there would be minimal warning of the fire before it affects patient and staff areas.
Some patients in side rooms are not able to be evacuated in beds due to doors not being wide enough and there are also ‘inadequately’ sized and positioned fire exits in the unit.
Not enough night-time staff
Night-time staffing levels also pose an issue to fire safety as there are not enough people to safely carry out the evacuation plan.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has been quick to reassure patients their safety is of top priority and the ward is safe to use.
Fire service sign-off
A trust spokesperson said it was working closely with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, who visited last week to revive the fire safety measures.
The trust said the fire service was happy for them to continue using Laidlaw.
Prioritised safety plans
The spokesperson said there are comprehensive plans in place to ensure they are able to move patients safely in the event of a fire or other emergency.
They have now prioritised plans to make further changes to improve the safety of the Laidlaw ward including new storage facilities and widening of access doors.
Extra fire wardens are being trained and wheelchairs will be permanently sited in the department to assist in evacuation.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: Harsha K R under CC BY 2.0
