Camden New Journal - News: New Probe leak at hospital

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Camden New Journal by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 26 April 2007

New probe into leak at hospital

EVERY drain and air-conditioning vent in the Royal Free Hospital has been inspected in a bid to find the source of the toxic leak that forced the hospital to close twice earlier this month.
Although external investigations last week concluded without any solution to the mysterious smell, hospital chiefs announced yesterday (Wednesday) they are not giving up the search.
During the course of the leak in the first week of April, 19 staff reported were suffering dizziness, vomiting and vertigo, describing the odour as a solvent-type smell.
But despite hours of searching, using sophisticated substance-detecting equipment, firefighters and police drew a blank.
A Royal Free spokeswoman said yesterday: “An investigation will be undertaken by the trust board into incidents at the Royal Free hospital where staff fell ill after experiencing an unusual smell.
“Investigations to date have been unable to identify the cause of the incidents.
“The trust’s works department has systematically examined all the air conditioning and drainage systems supplying the areas affected during the two incidents. Works staff have found no avenues for noxious fumes to enter the areas and they have also been unable to find any links between the air supply of the affected areas.
“The trust’s chief executive, nurse director and medical director have been visiting the areas affected and meeting regularly for updates on the investigation.
“There will now be a board-level incident investigation with support from outside agencies.
“All staff involved in the incidents have been supported by the occupational health unit and have returned to work.”

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This may sound like a winge but in the article there is no mention of london ambulance service personnel who were also in attendance with fire and police in BA awaiting the order to go in.
Alan Barrett