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Hospital closed by chemical fumes 'Unusual smell' closes A&E unit
(about 3 hours later)
A major London hospital was partially closed after eight members of staff fell ill at the site. A major London hospital's accident and emergency unit was closed for six hours after eight members of staff fell ill.
Accident and emergency at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north London, was closed while lower parts of the site were evacuated. The lower floors of the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north London, were evacuated after workers noticed "an unusual smell" in the area.
Emergency services were called to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon after staff noticed an unusual smell. Some of the workers received medical treatment, but it is not known what caused them to feel unwell.
Ambulances were diverted to nearby hospitals while fire crews tried to identify the cause of the smell. Fire crews investigated but could find no cause of the smell and the A&E unit was reopened shortly after midnight.
The hospital said some of the eight were given medical treatment. A hospital statement said it had resumed all normal activities.
"The trust has been working closely with London Fire Brigade's scientific support unit but no cause has been established and the fire service is preparing to withdraw," a statement added. It read: "Eight members of staff earlier reported feeling unwell after experiencing an unusual smell and some of these have required medical treatment.
"The trust has been working closely with London Fire Brigade's scientific support unit but no cause has been established and the fire service has withdrawn.
"The A&E department was closed to ambulances for about six hours, but has now reopened."