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Officials Issue Guidance on Major Incident Disrupting Bristol NHS Services
Health and emergency authorities outline current restrictions and alternatives after the fire-related declaration affecting adult care.
How we reported this
A system-wide major incident has been declared across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire after a fire at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, leading to severe disruption for adult NHS services.
Scope of the Disruption
The adult Emergency Department at Bristol Royal Infirmary is now limited to patients with minor injuries and walk-in conditions. All other patients who need in-patient admission are being diverted to other Emergency Departments across the South West. This change directly affects how residents access urgent adult care in the city and surrounding areas.
Unaffected Services
The Bristol Eye Hospital and the Children's Hospital Emergency Department continue to operate without interruption from the incident. Officials have confirmed these facilities remain available for their usual patient groups while the restrictions focus on adult services at the Bristol Royal Infirmary site.
Advice from Health Authorities
Patients are being asked not to attend A&E unless the situation is a genuine emergency. For non-emergency conditions, the guidance points to NHS 111 and local minor injuries units as the recommended options. This approach aims to keep capacity available for the most critical adult cases amid the ongoing disruption.
Emergency information continues to be shared through established local channels. Residents can turn to BBC Radio Bristol, Heart and Hits Radio for updates, along with BBC Points West and ITV West on television. The Bristol City Council homepage and its Twitter account also carry the latest details for the area.
Practical Steps for Residents
Those needing non-urgent medical attention are directed to contact NHS 111 first. Officials stress that only genuine emergencies should go to the affected adult Emergency Department at Bristol Royal Infirmary. Information on the current situation remains available through the listed radio, television and council outlets as the response continues.