Bristol hospitals declare 'internal critical incident' after power outage
A critical incident has been declared at hospitals in the centre of Bristol, with the public told to stay away and use alternative services if needed.
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) says all patients are safe.
The trust runs a number of hospitals, including the eye hospital, the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) - though it isn't clear how many of their facilities have been affected.
Avon and Somerset Police say officers are supporting fire and rescue crews with the incident, which the force says is "believed to be caused by an electrical fault at BRI".
The Bristol Post reports a back-up generator has been delivered to BRI.
Dr Rebecca Maxwell, interim chief medical officer at UHBW, said: "We have declared a critical incident due to a power outage. We aim to have this fully resolved as soon as possible.
"All patients, visitors and colleagues are safe.
"We ask the public not to attend our Bristol city centre hospitals until the incident is resolved and use alternative services in the area."
The trust says a number of hospitals continue to be affected, with the adult emergency department closed to new patients but the children's emergency department still open.
Pictures on social media suggest a large emergency services presence in the area, while others claim there have been evacuations, though this has not been confirmed.
Police say they have closed Upper Maudlin Street, which is where Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the trust's headquarters are all located.
Officers were on the scene within 10 minutes of receiving a call at around 2.30pm, police said, with drone units also in attendance.
The fire department was called at 1.43pm and sent multiple crews.
