5:18pm Monday 9th August 2010
Emergency services rushed to Withybush Hospital in the early hours of this morning (Monday), following reports of a suspected gas leak.
Staff and patients at the hospital complained of a strong gas smell coming in through the air vents and also outside the hospital Two fire appliances from Haverfordwest, as well as police officers from the town, attended the site. They found nothing untoward and contacted the Environment Agency.
The incident was the second of a similar nature to be reported in less than 24 hours. On Sunday morning the agency received several complaints of widespread sulphurous odours from Milford Haven to Haverfordwest.
An officer was dispatched to the area to investigate. The smell had dispersed by the time of his arrival but the Health Protection Agency were informed.
Environment management team leader for Pembrokeshire Ged Davies said the agency was now carrying out a full investigation into the cause and was working alongside Public Health Wales, the Health Protection Agency and Pembrokeshire County Council to assess any potential risk to local people.
The odours seem to have now cleared but their cause has not yet been established. It is not yet known whether they are related to Murco refinery.
Two weeks ago Public Health Wales said a number of complaints had been received from local residents, who said an unpleasant smell was coming from the refinery during the restart process.
The refinery shut down completely on July 20th following disruption to the external power supply and a small fire.
“Sulphur containing chemicals often have a distinctive unpleasant smell and irritant effect at concentrations significantly below the levels which would harm human health,” said Huw Brunt, Consultant in Environmental Public Health for Public Health Wales However, if people are concerned about their health they should contact their GP for advice or call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.
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