Hospital buys fire-fighting equipment

FIRE-fighting equipment has been bought by Ipswich Hospital in case a blaze breaks out during the strike, it was revealed today.

The hospital has brought into action a contingency plan designed to protect the lives of patients, staff and visitors, and to limit the risks of a fire happening.

Everyone is bring reminded of evacuation procedures and staff who are experts in the layout of the 46-acre site in Heath Road have been specially trained as fire marshalls to help co-ordinate an emergency.

"The measures we have put in place are designed to protect people first and buildings second," said Jan Rowsell, spokeswoman for Ipswich Hospital.

"We are increasing our vigilance about fire prevention and good housekeeping and encouraging all staff to take extra precautions.

"We do have fire breaks and very clear evacuation instructions throughout the hospital and we are doing all we can to try to prevent fires starting, to limit the risks, and make sure we have some help on site just in case."

Contractors working on building projects and repairs on the site have been asked not to carry out activities which involve "hot works", such as welding and blasting, during the strike days.

Fire marshalls will be available 24 hours a day and will direct the army Green Goddesses to any fire which breaks out.

A truck at the hospital has also been fitted with basic fire-fighting equipment. This has been bought because of the strike but hospital management says it will be useful afterwards, too, to help pump out basement areas prone to flooding in torrential rain.

Ms Rowsell said the Port of Felixstowe's fire service had also agreed to attend any serious incidents.

Another concern around the hospital is smoking in outside areas. There are designated smoking areas and people are being urged to use these and not stray elsewhere with cigarettes as an extra precaution.