Hemel Hempstead LIVE: Evacuation at UK hospital after chemical leak
An evacuation is underway at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
A UK hospital has been forced to evacuate some patients after a chemical leak which left staff with "minor injuries".
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, a small district hospital managed by West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, at around midday on Monday, July 1.
In a statement following the incident, the NHS confirmed that staff were being treated for "minor injuries" and that the incident was related to "an accidental chemical spill".
A spokesperson explained: "We are working closely with emergency responders from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Herts Fire and Rescue Service and East of England Ambulance Service Trust in response to an incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
“A small number of staff members have received treatment for minor injuries following the incident, which relates to an accidental chemical spill. The incident is contained and will not affect local residents."
Herts Fire Control personnel attended the incident. In a statement on social media, they said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have investigated and liaised with Scientific Support. The risk area has now been ventilated and made safe and HFRS are no longer required."
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Hertfordshire County Council issues statement
Hertfordshire County Council has issued a statement following the incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.A spokesperson for the council said: "Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 10:16 this morning to an accidental chemical spill at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
"As a precaution, four fire engines and a specialist decontamination unit were sent to the scene.
"Firefighters in gas-tight suits worked to identify the chemicals involved, and to clear up and ventilate the affected area. The fire service has now left the scene."
NHS issues update on incident
The NHS has issued an update on the incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital. In a statement, they said: "Emergency responders to an incident at Hemel Hospital have now left the scene.
"Colleagues attended the site in response to a leak of cleaning fluid from a decontamination machine, which has now been resolved.
“Three members of staff were treated for minor injuries and have been discharged.
“Patients should attend their outpatients appointment as normal. We will contact patients if their appointment is cancelled.
“Thank you to staff, police, ambulance, and fire and rescue colleagues for their prompt and efficient response.”
Herts Fire Control issue update on incident
Herts Fire Control has issued an update on the incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
Writing on X, they said: "Hospital incident update - firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have investigated and liaised with Scientific Support.
"The risk area has now been ventilated and made safe and HFRS are no longer required."
NHS statement in full
The NHS statement in full following the incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital earlier today.
A spokesperson said: "We are working closely with emergency responders from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Herts Fire and Rescue Service and East of England Ambulance Service Trust in response to an incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
“A small number of staff members have received treatment for minor injuries following the incident, which relates to an accidental chemical spill. The incident is contained and will not affect local residents.
“The Urgent Treatment Centre, blood clinic and radiology departments remain open as normal.
“Please attend your outpatients appointment as normal and follow the advice of staff on arrival. We will contact you if your appointment is cancelled. We will be in touch with further updates, as necessary.”
NHS issues advice for patients affected by incident
The NHS has said issued clarification for patients affected by the incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.In a statement, they said: "Please attend your outpatients appointment as normal and follow the advice of staff on arrival. "We will contact you if your appointment is cancelled. We will be in touch with further updates, as necessary.”
Hospital staff receiving treatment for minor injuries
Staff at Hemel Hempstead Hospital receiving treatment for minor injuries.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the NHS said: "A small number of staff members have received treatment for minor injuries following the incident, which relates to an accidental chemical spill."
Incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital contained
The incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital has been contained the NHS has confirmed.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the health service said: "The incident is contained and will not affect local residents.
"The Urgent Treatment Centre, blood clinic and radiology departments remain open as normal."
Incident related to accidental chemical spill
The NHS has released a statement following an incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.In a statement, they confirmed the incident was related "to an accidental chemical spill".
Road closures in place following incident
Road closures are in place following the incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital as authorities continue to deal with the incident.
Herts Fire Control release statement on incident
Herts Fire Control has issued a statement on the incident at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.Writing on X, they said: "HFRS and other services are currently in attendance at Hemel Hempstead Hospital following a chemical leak.
"People have been evacuated from the immediate scene and a decontamination area has been established while investigations continue."
Where is the incident happening?
The incident is occurring at Hemel Hempstead Hospital in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
Welcome to our live coverage
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of this breaking news incident.
The Express.co.uk team will be bringing you live updates after a chemical leak at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
We will bring you the latest updates as we receive them.
