'Don't be alarmed': Major fire drill at Russells Hall
A Black Country hospital is holding a major fire drill this weekend - and warned patients not be alarmed.
The training exercise is taking place at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, later this month.
Around 15 fire engines, 75 firefighters and ambulance will be present for the drill on September 14.
The exercise will involve crews wearing breathing apparatus and the use of non-harmful artificial smoke to make it a more realistic scenario for responders.
A Dudley NHS Trust spokesman said: "The exercise is not real and there is no need for patients or the public to worry. The exercise will not affect patients or relatives visiting the hospital.
"Patients attending a clinic on the day should arrive for their appointment as usual, unless they have received a letter advising them otherwise."
The exercise is an opportunity for the fire service to use a hospital block to practice their procedures for search and evacuation.
It will also allow the trust to test its response to a large scale incident and cross organisational working with emergency responders.
Karen Kelly, chief operating officer, said: "We have a responsibility to make sure we are as prepared as we possibly can be to deal with emergency situations so that, in the event of a real emergency, our staff are capable of dealing with it safely and effectively."
