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Radioactive scare at the Royal Free
THE Royal Free Hospital suffered a second mystery substance scare last night (Wednesday), prompting fears of a radioactive outbreak.
Investigations are underway after nine staff at the Hampstead hospital required emergency treatment after being overcome with fumes from an unknown substance on Monday.
Yet despite hours of searching the cause of the fumes – which left staff feeling nauseous after complaining of a solvent-type smell – was never found.
Last night, areas of the hospital had to be cordoned-off again as the fumes re-emerged.
Hampstead Town Councillor Chris Knight, who was passing by the hospital yesterday, said he detected a peardrop-smell.
One of Monday’s victims described suffering feelings of being “drunk, thick-headed, dizziness, vertigo and needing to sit down”.
All nine were discharged from hospital but two have not returned to work.
Even with the help of sophisticated substance-detecting equipment, firefighters and police have drawn a blank. The Scientific Support Unit, a branch of the fire brigade who specialise in chemical leaks, were on hand late into the evening yesterday (Wednsday). One officer said they were focusing on the ventilation shafts in the 40-year-old building, adding: “We’re following up a number of promising leads.” It is understood they have closed the Biochemical ward, as well as four floors.
One woman, who was visiting her grandfather on the seventh floor, said her mother heard doctors discussing the possibility of a radioactive outbreak. She said: “Some guy in a blue top (medical uniform) came up to us and said ‘something’s happening downstairs and you might want to get masks for your kids. You didn’t hear this from me’.”
The Health and Safety Executive is now involved and officers are considering whether or not to launch an official investigation.
A Royal Free spokeswoman said: “Every effort was made to make sure patients were kept comfortable and to bring them inside as soon as possible. The hospital, including the accident and emergency department, was closed to prevent any risk to members of the public.”
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