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Patient files damaged in a fire Patient files damaged in a fire
(about 4 hours later)
Thousands of patient files have been damaged in a fire at a County Down doctor's surgery.Thousands of patient files have been damaged in a fire at a County Down doctor's surgery.
The fire broke out on Sunday evening at the premises on Pound Lane in Downpatrick. Forensic teams are examining the scene. The fire started on Sunday evening at Pound Lane in Downpatrick.
It is estimated that up to 6,000 files may have been badly burned, smoke or water damaged. It is estimated that up to 6,000 files may have been damaged. The health trust said patients' details were kept on computer and regularly backed-up.
Patients have been assured that their details were also kept on computer and that these were backed-up regularly. "We're trying to let clients know what is happening and when we can get services up and running to them again," said GP Hugh McGoldrick.
Police forensic teams have searched to try to establish the cause of the fire.
Local photographer Gerard Smyth, who witnessed the blaze, said the building was still standing but the interior was badly damaged.Local photographer Gerard Smyth, who witnessed the blaze, said the building was still standing but the interior was badly damaged.
"Quite a lot of doctors and other staff were at the scene - one of their main concerns was that patients' records may have been lost in the fire," he said."Quite a lot of doctors and other staff were at the scene - one of their main concerns was that patients' records may have been lost in the fire," he said.
The surgery is operating an emergency service at nearby premises. It is hoped the surgery will be fully functional on alternative premises shortly.The surgery is operating an emergency service at nearby premises. It is hoped the surgery will be fully functional on alternative premises shortly.