Patients were evacuated and traffic was diverted when a “suspect package” caused a bomb scare at King George Hospital today.
The package was received at around 11.30am and police and fire crews were called to the scene.
Patients and staff were evacuated from the main entrance, outpatients’ department and emergency department for around half an hour while bomb teams ensured the package was safe.
Ambulances were diverted away from the hospital in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, while Twitter users reported traffic congestion after the hospital grounds were closed to vehicles.
A bus driver, who did not want to be named, said services were told to terminate early at Little Heath to avoid the area.
The upheaval was part of the hospital’s emergency plan.
A Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman said: “We are pleased that staff acted quickly and professionally to ensure that emergency plans were put in place as appropriate.”
Were you at the hospital when it was evacuated? Email newsdesk@ilfordrecorder.co.uk or call 0208 477 3821.
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