Update on fire at Wakari Hospital's Ward 9A

Statement attributable to Louise Travers, General Manager, Mental Health Addictions and Intellectual Disability Directorate

All staff and patients are safe and well following a small fire this morning at Ward 9A at Wakari Hospital. The fire was discovered at approximately 10am by staff, who immediately extinguished the blaze. The fire department and St John Ambulance attended the scene. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Its source is thought to be a mattress that was ignited.

Eight staff were checked by St John Ambulance, three of whom were taken to Dunedin Hospital ED as a precaution to be assess for smoke inhalation. A fourth member of staff attended the ED later in the day after becoming unwell.

One patient was checked by St John and medical staff at the scene, and determined to not have any injuries. No one else was harmed as a result of the incident.

The fire department helped to ventilate the facility and left the site before midday today.

Police also attended, as is usual protocol.

We are very grateful for how calmly and professionally our staff handled this matter. Both Ward 9A and 9B were back to business-as-usual within a very short time of the incident.

ENDS

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