A HOSPITAL in Essex was the scene of a serious incident after part of its ceiling caved in and fell on a patient. 

St Alexandra Hospital, situated in Hamstel Road, Harlow, declared a major incident on March 14 after its ceiling collapsed above a patient.

The hospital trust’s chief operating officer Stephanie Lawton has since said no patients or ICU team members were injured as a result of the incident.

The collapse is understood to have been caused by a piece of medical equipment detaching from its fitting.

In turn, this caused a ceiling tile to come loose and drop from the ceiling.

Ms Lawton added: “Our ICU team responded immediately to the situation, no patient suffered harm as a result of the incident. 

“Relatives of our patients were told of the temporary relocation of the ICU and are still able to visit their loved ones.

“Our hospital was built in the 1960s and we have an ongoing maintenance schedule to ensure that we can respond to infrastructure issues. 

“The age of the hospital is recognised and we are part of the national New Hospital Programme, which will see a new hospital built for local people.”

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive at The Princess Alexandra Trust, said a major incident was declared as a precautionary measure.

In the meantime, fittings for other medical equipment in the area were assessed.

She said: “We are continuing to manage patients who require intensive care safely within our hospital and we are also grateful to our healthcare partners for their continued support. 

“We are continuing our investigation of this incident to ensure patient safety.

“Our emergency department (ED) and wider hospital facilities remain open as usual.”

By March 15, Stephanie Lawton said the major incident had been “stepped down”.

She said: “Patients who need intensive care are being cared for by the ICU team in a purpose-built area with all the ICU specialist equipment required.

“All services are operational whilst remedial work is underway in ICU.

“Our thanks go to all of our teams for their prompt action and for their continued specialist care for our patients.”