Guy's Hospital evacuated after chlorine gas incident
About 150 people, including patients and staff, were evacuated from Guy's Hospital in Southwark after a chemical incident in the basement on Thursday morning.
Two fire rescue units, two fire engines, ambulance crews and a fast response car were dispatched. Fire and rescue crews were still on the scene to ensure the building remained well ventilated.
Guy's Hospital said the incident took place in a non-patient area. Several people, including a member of staff, were treated for the inhalation of chlorine gas.
Inhalation of chlorine gas may cause breathing difficulties and high exposure can cause lung damage. Most people who have had mild exposure recover within a few days but poisoning can lead to the development of long-term respiratory problems.
• Patients treated after chlorine gas leak at London aquatics centre
A patient named George, 26, was waiting for a routine appointment when alarms rang and the building was evacuated. He said: 'A nurse informed us that there had been a chemical explosion in the basement and all the lifts stopped working.'
Guy's Hospital is a major elective centre with about 400 beds. It specialises in cancer treatment, kidney, urology and dental care. It also has specialists in ear, nose and throat disorders and orthopaedics.
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