Patients flee hoax hospital bomb

MOTHERS with newborn babies and patients who had just undergone surgery were among those who fled their beds for the car park of Waterford Regional Hospital yesterday morning, after a hoax bomb alert.

Gardaí are trying to trace the person who phoned the South Eastern Health Board's headquarters at 10.15am yesterday, alleging that an incendiary device had been placed in the hospital.

Following a meeting of senior personnel it was decided that hospital would be evacuated on a partial basis.

The hospital staff, fire authorities and gardaí prioritised the public and patient areas in for the search for the incendiary device. Staff also began a systematic search of the hospital.

Intensive care ambulances were also placed on standby in case it became necessary to completely evacuate the patients.

Hundreds were forced into the car park of the hospital. Some were accommodated in trolleys, while others, including such as newborn babies, were put in cars to keep them warm.

Patients were furious that someone could have caused so much disruption, but commended staff on their handling of the matter.

Among the patients was Waterford senator, Maurice Cummins.

"I've been here for the past few weeks," he said. "People who'd only undergone operations or who are old and frail were brought out into the cold. Some of these people will never get over the shock. The nurses and staff have been exceptionally caring."

CEO of the SEHB Pat McLoughlin said: "I would like to compliment the staff for their swift action and their response to this threat. This has been a distressing time for staff, patients and relatives, and has put pressure on our emergency response teams.

"To date over 20 ambulances and crews have been put on standby to respond to this threat. This response has meant that other health boards have put their ambulances on stand-by to cover the fact that our ambulances were not available to respond in their usual way.

"While I am extremely relieved that no device was has been found, it is frustrating to see patients being upset in this way. The Board will be working with the gardaí to ensure that a criminal proceeding will follow."