A fire broke out in the nurses’ rest room of the Maternity Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) last evening, prompting the temporary evacuation of patients from the affected area.
According to a statement issued by GPHC, the fire occurred at approximately 6:50 p.m. The hospital said it was a “spontaneous fire” but did not provide details on what caused the blaze or the extent of damage to the room.
GPHC said the fire was initially identified and extinguished by a doctor and a nurse, while the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service was contacted and subsequently responded.
Patients in the affected area were evacuated as a precaution while the situation was brought under control. The hospital said the patients were later returned to the ward.
“Management commends and thanks the staff for their diligence, quick response and prompt action in extinguishing the fire and ensuring the safety of patients and colleagues,” the hospital said.
GPHC did not indicate whether the fire resulted in any disruption to maternity services or whether an investigation into its cause has been launched.
The incident comes as the hospital’s Maternity Unit continues to handle a significant volume of maternal and obstetric cases. GPHC has describes its Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department as the country’s leading centre for women’s healthcare, providing round-the-clock delivery services as well as emergency obstetric care.
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