Operations have been cancelled at Manchester’s main hospitals after a huge leak left them without water.
Ambulances are thought to have been diverted and doctors and nurses have been seen washing their hands with bottled water during the crisis.
Almost all operations scheduled for tomorrow morning have been cancelled because of the water shortage, caused by a major water leak on nearby Oxford Road.
The problem is affecting Manchester Royal Infirmary, the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Saint Mary’s and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
A statement issued by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust explained: ‘We are currently experiencing problems with [the] water supply due to a mains leak off site.’ Pictured: The leak tonight
The problem is affecting Manchester Royal Infirmary, the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Saint Mary’s and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
It is believed the problem is due to a major water leak that United Utilities say has left the M13 and M14 postcodes, which includes the central Manchester hospital site, without any water
A statement issued by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust explained: ‘We are currently experiencing problems with [the] water supply due to a mains leak off site.
‘We are urging patients not to attend these hospitals for the time being unless there is an urgent clinical need.’
It added: ‘We are cancelling all operations planned for tomorrow morning as a precaution, apart from cancer and any urgent operations. We will be endeavouring to contact all patients affected this evening. These operations will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
‘We would like to thank all patients and staff for their co-operation at this time.’
It is believed the problem is due to a major water leak that United Utilities say has left the M13 and M14 postcodes, which includes the central Manchester hospital site, without any water.
One parent, whose child is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Mary’s, said: ‘It’s worrying.’
‘The water had gone and there was no plan in place.
‘We got told that the obstetricians were having to buy bottled water to wash their hands.
‘These are really sick babies, and there’s a high risk of infection.’
The parent said the water was out for around 2-3 hours, adding: ‘It’s concerning that this could happen. A hospital should have water.’
United Utilities say they have sent five water tankers to Oxford Road to help pump supplies back to the M13/M14 postcode area
One parent, whose child is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Mary’s, said: ‘It’s worrying’. Pictured: The leak in Manchester
Another patient said: ‘They came in around 5pm and told us there was no water so we couldn’t use the toilets or showers.’
‘They said it was the entire site, not just MRI.’
‘They also couldn’t administer certain medication because they needed water for some. It seems to be back now but I can’t see how five United Utility tanks are going to keep it going.’
United Utilities say they have sent five water tankers to Oxford Road to help pump supplies back to the M13/M14 postcode area.
The problem is affecting Manchester Royal Infirmary, the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (shown in a file image) and Saint Mary’s
A statement on the United Utilities website at lunchtime explained: ‘Due to the complex nature of the repair to the burst water main on Oxford Road, work will be on-going throughout the course of the afternoon. Our team of engineers will remain onsite working hard to restore your water supply.
‘Whilst the repairs continue we have five water tankers on site pumping water into the pipes, to help keep some water flowing through your taps.
‘However, you may find your water doesn’t flow as much as normal.
‘We’ll update this message as soon as the repairs have been completed.
‘We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.’