Flooding affects Royal Berkshire Hospital's power and water supplies

Wards for critical care, stroke, the elderly and outpatients hit

The Royal Berkshire Hospital, in Reading, has been affected by flooding overnight, which has reached the hospital basement and affected electrical power and water supplies to several areas of the hospital.

Firefighters from Whitley Wood Fire Station in Reading were at the hospital overnight, after flooding affected Redlands Road and the basement area of the hospital, and also plant in the basement.

The main electrical intake has been flooded, according to firefighters, who remained at the scene this morning (Thurs).

In a statement released this afternoon (Thurs) Mary Sherry, Chief Operating Officer for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said:

"Due to a water leak that occurred in the early hours of this morning we have lost power in Battle and North Block of the hospital, which has also resulted in some loss of water supply. Areas affected include our elderly care wards, critical care unit, stroke unit and some outpatient areas. Battery powered generation is supplying some power to certain areas within the wards.

"The safety and care of our patients is our upmost priority and patients are continually being assessed and managed appropriately on the wards.

"No operations have been cancelled at this stage. We are not closed to visitors or patients; however, we would ask for visitors generally to be aware that there are parts of these areas that are darker than usual and to be mindful when walking through.

"All of our staff in various areas are actively involved in assessing risks arising from this situation and are taking proactive steps to ensure patient safety. We are assessing the situation on a continual basis through our internal incident procedures and will do so until this issue is resolved."