Hospital welcomes back endoscopy patients after devastating fire

Patients requiring endoscopy procedures to diagnose or rule out a range of medical conditions and illnesses are being welcomed back to University Hospital Southampton (UHS), ten weeks after a fire completely destroyed the unit.

In what is being hailed a significant milestone in the Trust’s recovery from the blaze, some patients can now be offered the procedure at UHS, following the installation of two specialist mobile endoscopy units opposite the main entrance of the hospital.

The temporary units will remain in place for at least the next two years as extensive repair work is carried out within the West Wing of the hospital, following the fire that broke out shortly after 5.30am on Sunday February 1.

More than 500 patients were evacuated within 40 minutes, as more than 110 firefighters got the fire under control.

Since then, only emergency, inpatient and therapeutic endoscopies have been possible at UHS during this time, following the swift repurposing of two theatres plus use of an area within the Trust’s Clinical Research Facility.

Some patients have been seen by our staff, who were relocated, in temporary sites including Royal South Hants, Spire, Nuffield and Lymington hospital but our ability to deliver a full service has been impeded and waiting lists affected.

Following the hard work and collaboration of the specialist medicine and estates teams, the units were secured, delivered and have been installed in a matter of weeks.

The suites include reception areas, consulting and procedure rooms as well as recovery areas.

Southampton Hospitals Charity has donated equipment for staff working in the units including microwaves, coffee machines and mugs after everything in the unit was destroyed in the fire.

UHS continues to operate with 140 fewer beds as a result of the fire, with part of West Wing out of action and a number of services still disrupted and displaced across the hospital site.

Andy Hyett, chief operating officer at UHS, said the opening of the two units would not have been possible without the hard work and determination of staff to get services back for patients as quickly as possible.

He said: “Bringing patients who require these important diagnostic tests back to UHS is a real milestone in our recovery, which would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff.

“We appreciate the impact the disruption caused by the fire has had on our patients and are grateful for their understanding and support during the past ten weeks while we have delivered as much of the service as possible, in a different way.

“Our focus has always been on returning as much of this service, as quickly, safely and efficiently as we can. This is the first step in bringing our patients and staff back together at UHS, while the Trust works on rebuilding the fire damaged area and creating a permanent home for endoscopy services in the future.”

Kat Black, specialist medicine matron at UHS, said: “This has been an exceptionally difficult period for everyone. We’ve faced uncertainty, ongoing pressure, and moments that have truly tested our resilience. What stands out most is how we have worked together, as a team, never losing sight of what matters most – our patients.

“Even at our most challenging times, we have seen unwavering professionalism, kindness, and compassion. Colleagues across the organisation have gone above and beyond and we want to thank everyone who has supported us.”

Work is now underway on land at Adanac Park to open three further three mobile endoscopy units in June, helping us to increase capacity and efficiency overall while the Trust works to recover from the fire and create a permanent new home for the endoscopy department.