Early morning gas scare leaves Liverpool hospital staff ill

There was an air of panic and uncertainty at Liverpool Hospital this morning after a number of staff members suddenly fell ill, sparking concerns of a gas leak.

Emergency crews responded promptly to reports early on Wednesday morning, discovering that a faulty sewage pipe was leaking hydrogen sulfide into one area of the hospital. The gas was initially thought to have been coming from an air conditioning unit

The gas can cause a number of issues including breathing troubles, headaches and dizziness and even be deadly in high volumes. Though four nurses were ultimately treated by attending crews, they've reported that affected staff members were only exposed to low levels of the gas.

A repair team quickly sealed off the pipe and resolved the immediate issue within two hours.

Three patients were also reportedly moved from the immediate vicinity 'as a precaution'. A hospital spokesperson has since confirmed that all staff and patients are safe, praising the swift response of repair crews which ensured the hospital's everyday operations wouldn't be impacted.

“At around 4.45am six people suffered symptoms and were impacted by a substance,” FRNSW Superintendent Dewberry said on the scene.

“Three patients and three nurses are being assessed because they’re feeling unwell. Only a small area of the hospital is isolated and the emergency department is still open.

“No evacuations have been issued.”

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