'Major incident' as Staffordshire hospital hit by 90 minute power cut
A major incident was declared at Royal Stoke University Hospital after it was left without power for an hour and a half.
The power cut occurred at 7pm on Thursday due to disruption with an external electricity supply.
Hospital bosses have assured back-up supplies were able to provide power to A&E and critical care.
However staff were unable to access blood or X-ray results and IT systems were temporarily unavailable.
Some wards were left with emergency lighting but the ruling trust has declared they were not left in darkness.
A power surge in the area caused disruption to the back-up generators although they did not fail.
Patrick Wilkinson, lead for emergency planning at University of North Midlands NHS Trust, said: "The Trust has tried and tested plans to deal with a range of disruptions, including power outages.
"Royal Stoke University Hospital declared a Major Incident at approximately 7pm and was without mains power for 90 minutes due to an external electricity supply interruption.
"However, back-up systems continued to provide power to essential areas, such as critical care, A&E and wards.
"Our robust plans to protect the safety, welfare and service provided to patients, were implemented immediately and the incident was stood down at just after 9pm.
"A full investigation will now take place."
