Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital in Bell Road shut after patient with ‘substance’ on skin sparks alert

A hospital was advised to close its minor injuries unit after a patient arrived with a “potential substance” on their skin.

The facility at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital in Bell Road shut earlier this morning.

A fire service spokesman said: “Crews were called to the hospital after a patient presented with complaints of a potential substance on their skin.

“One fire engine attended, and the crew provided precautionary advice to the hospital.”

Firefighters were called just after 10am today and left just before 11am.

They were not required to carry out any action.

The unit was closed for around two hours reopening at 11.40am.

Patients due there for morning appointments were told they had been cancelled.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the minor injuries unit, said in a post on social media: “We are aware of an incident at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital and we have temporarily closed our Minor Injuries Unit there.

“Our patients and colleagues are safe. The ward and medical centre are not affected.

“If you need urgent care there are alternative sites listed on our webpage.

“We will update you on here when we know more.”

It is understood there was no contamination linked to any substance.

The Trust said it could not comment on the patient's condition or the “substance” due to risks of confidentiality breaches.

Police did not attend the scene.

This is not the first time the hospital has been forced to close.

In April, a woman was arrested after police seized a weapon and a witness said the premises were put into lockdown.

In May 2020, staff and patients at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital were on alert after receiving a message that a man was heading to the site and was armed.

Months later in October 2020, a man with a knife was said to have been tasered by police in the grounds.

Again, the rest of the hospital was locked down, trapping staff and patients inside, while police were called to disarm him.

Two months later, in December 2020, the hospital was put on full lockdown due to a man armed with a screwdriver.

Reports say he threatened staff in the minor injuries department.