Chemical leak fears at Suffolk hospital

FIRE crews from across Suffolk were today trying to establish the cause of a chemical leak at a hospital in the county.More than 20 firefighters from Eye, Stowmarket, Needham Market and Colchester Road, in Ipswich, were sent to the Health Centre at Hartismere Hospital in Eye shortly after 8am to reports of a possible leak.

FIRE crews from across Suffolk were today trying to establish the cause of a chemical leak at a hospital in the county.

More than 20 firefighters from Eye, Stowmarket, Needham Market and Colchester Road, in Ipswich, were sent to the Health Centre at Hartismere Hospital in Eye shortly after 8am to reports of a possible leak.

Two fire officers wearing gas-type suits were investigating the extent of the spillage which affected the dental area of the Health Centre.

No source of a leak could be found but there was a smell of ammonia so the building was left to ventilate.

The affected area was evacuated while firefighters were dealing with the incident, which was under control by 10am.

While it was still on-going Dr David Vicary, who works at the hospital, said: "The fire brigade is coping with the leak.

"It occurred in an area of the Health Centre used by dentists for photographic reasons. Just that one section has been evacuated.

"It has not affected anyone's health and no patients are involved."

Health and Safety and Environmental Health were informed of the incident.