A FIRE broke out at South Bristol Community Hospital this morning forcing staff to cancel or move most procedures and appointments.

A total of 58 patients were inside the building when the fire started in a plant room on the roof at 4.25am.

Firefighters tackled the blaze using two CO2 fire extinguishers and foam. A ventilation fan was used to clear the smoke.

No-one was injured.

The hospital lost power for several hours as a result. It was restored by lunchtime.

The Urgent Care / Minor Injuries Unit run by Bristol Community Health is still unable to treat patients.

Staff will still be available to assess any patients that turn up to the centre, but will then re-direct them to their GP surgery, Broadmead Walk-in Centre, or A&E, as appropriate.

Some X-ray investigations and ophthalmic procedures have been moved to the Bristol Royal Infirmary and the Bristol Eye Hospital, but most other activity scheduled to take place at the community hospital today has been cancelled. Visiting arrangements for inpatients remain as normal.

Hospital services and emergency departments in the centre of Bristol are likely to be very busy today as a result of the issues affecting South Bristol Community Hospital.

Anyone suffering from a life-threatening injury or illness should not delay coming to hospital.

However if you are suffering from a more minor injury or illness please consider using other services including your local pharmacy.