Bristol Emergency Services Update: Fire Prompts A&E Changes This Week

A fire at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre has triggered a system-wide NHS update covering Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Patients are advised to avoid A&E departments unless they face a genuine emergency.

Impact on Local Hospitals

The adult Emergency Department at Bristol Royal Infirmary is currently treating only minor injuries and walk-in conditions. Patients who require in-patient admission are being diverted to other South West Emergency Departments. The Bristol Eye Hospital and Children's Hospital Emergency Departments remain unaffected and continue normal operations.

Advice for Residents

Residents are urged to contact NHS 111 or visit local minor injuries units for non-emergency medical conditions during this disruption. The changes affect access to urgent care across the three local authority areas.

How to Stay Informed

Emergency information for the Bristol area is also available via local radio on BBC Radio Bristol and Heart, television on BBC Points West and ITV West, and through the Bristol City Council homepage and Twitter account. These channels provide updates on the ongoing situation at affected hospital sites.

The fire at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre has led to these temporary adjustments in emergency care pathways. Services at unaffected sites continue without interruption while the NHS manages patient flow to other South West facilities where needed. People with minor conditions are directed away from the adult department at Bristol Royal Infirmary to keep capacity focused on true emergencies.

Local minor injuries units and the NHS 111 service offer alternatives for conditions that do not require immediate hospital admission. This approach helps maintain care for the most urgent cases while repairs and assessments continue at the site of the fire. Information remains available through established local broadcast and council channels for anyone seeking the latest status.