Staff at Southmead Hospital reportedly treated patients in the car park after they were evacuated due to a bomb scare.
Emergency services and a bomb squad were called to the hospital this morning (March 10) and people were advised to stay away from the area after a suspicious package was discovered. Avon and Somerset Police have since confirmed the incident was not 'terrorism-related' and a man has been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.
Responding to a post on Facebook by North Bristol NHS Trust, Stephanie said: "Massive well done to the A&E staff who are doing their best to keep everyone calm and treated in the car park.
Also read: Southmead Hospital incident LIVE: Patients 'evacuated' as armed police called to scene
"My daughter's medical needs were not immediate danger to her so we left the area but it was incredible to see how they kept things running so smooth under so much pressure." North Bristol NHS Trust has been contacted for further comment on this morning's incident, which saw most of the hospital's patients evacuated and allegedly moved into different wards.
It said at 12.30pm today: "We are currently responding to a security incident in our Emergency Department. We’re asking all members of the public to please stay away from the Emergency Department at Southmead Hospital whilst this incident is ongoing. This means that we have had to cancel all outpatient appointments and visiting today."
Lindsay, an outpatient on the X-ray unit, said the hospital "went quiet" after most patients were told to leave the building and the area was cordoned off. She said they "stopped all visitors" coming into the hospital.
Also read: Southmead Hospital incident: everything we know about the 'security incident'
North Bristol Neighbourhood Inspector Lorna Dallimore said: “I appreciate the concern this incident may have caused residents and patients and I’d like to reassure them there were no injuries and there is no risk to the wider public.
“The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. We’re immensely grateful for the public’s patience while emergency services attended the scene and ensured the area was safe.
“Neighbourhood officers are in the area and I’d encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them directly or alternatively contact their neighbourhood team via 101.”
Follow our live blog on this incident here.
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