MATERNITY services at Basingstoke hospital have been suspended in the wake of firefighters being called to the site last night.

After reports of a fire in the neonatal unit, firefighters were called out at 9.25pm last night but the incident turned out to be a false alarm caused by smoke or steam coming from a overheated pump.

No babies were harmed in the incident and were safely transferred to elsewhere in the hospital.

However, the ward had to be evacuated and today, Hampshire Hospitals has confirmed that maternity services at the site have been suspended until the issue is resolved.

READ: Basingstoke hospital ward evacuated after reports of fire >>

Hampshire Hospitals chief executive Alex Whitfield said: “The neonatal unit at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital was evacuated overnight due to steam escaping from a maintenance area.

"Crews from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service attended but there was no sign of a fire.

"All of the babies being treated in the unit are unharmed and were safely transferred to a different part of the hospital, where they continue to receive the same treatment as they were before being moved. They will remain there until the issue has been resolved.

"Maternity services have also been temporarily suspended at Basingstoke hospital, with women in labour being advised to attend Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.



 

"We apologise for the inconvenience and concern this incident has caused, both for the families of babies being treated in the neonatal unit and women using our maternity services.

"We are working hard to resolve the issue and hope that services will be able to return to normal as soon as possible.

"I'd like to thank Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service for their help and all of the staff who ensured that the babies were evacuated quickly and safely.”