The trust that manages Liverpool’s hospitals has outlined how it wants to improve its response to major incidents following a fire that ripped through Aintree University Hospital earlier this year.
In August, firefighters tackled a blaze that began in a plant building on the roof of a three-storey building next to Accident & Emergency. Patients were evacuated from nearby areas while firefighters worked to fight back the flames.
There were no reports of casualties from the incident three months ago but some patients were left stranded on beds outside the hospital as crews dealt with the fire. According to documents released by Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust (LUHFT) that oversees the city’s main medical facilities, feedback had been positive regarding the “collaborative approach” to the fire breaking out but a number of areas were deemed to require an upgrade.
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The report said while it was considered that the Trust had responded well to the fire, areas of improvement had been identified which would be reflected in future fire safety planning. A review of the Estates & Facilities planned maintenance regime will also be subject to an internal audit to provide assurance on adequacy.
Further assurances have also been sought should the incident happen again. According to an update to board members from Beth Weston, LUHFT chief operating officer, debrief sessions following the fire “garnered positive feedback in respect of senior support, the flexible and collaborative approach adopted by staff and evident clinical leadership during the incident.”
However, areas for improvement were identified, including internal communications, management of media enquiries and clarification of roles and responsibilities. Ms Weston’s resort said regarding the debrief report and associated action plan, a number of additional actions have been requested.
These included clarification of the roles of the strategic and silver commanders, arrangement for a review of the debrief by an independent emergency preparedness resilience and response expert, definitive timescales for delivery of training, development of a media management standard operating procedure and details of alternative evacuation plans, if required.
An investigation by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service into the cause of the fire was carried out and determined that the fire started accidentally. LUHFT’s own analysis established the flames had originated from the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) on site.
Damage was contained to the plant room and battery component above the emergency department. Fire crews left the scene around 11 hours after being made aware of the incident.
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