Blaze? Just what I'm trained for, says surgeon

A surgeon told how she carried on operating on a cancer patient as fire ripped through the Royal Marsden hospital.

Fiona MacNeill and her team stayed calm and finished major reconstructive breast surgery while hundreds of other patients and staff were evacuated.

Today she described what she called "just another emergency" as parts of the hospital defied expectations and got back to work after yesterday's fire, which caused millions of pounds of damage. Some outpatient services were back in action this afternoon after urgent repair work. More of the hospital is expected to re-open by the weekend.

Ms MacNeill, a consultant, was one of two surgeons in theatre when the fire broke out. She said: "I was performing a major breast cancer operation but luckily we were near the end of the procedure. We are trained to operate in emergency situations and to be honest, this was just another emergency.

"I was able to complete the operation without having to rush anything and then we moved the patient into the recovery room, where she woke. We were able to reassure her that everything was fine. Then we moved her to an ambulance and she was transferred to the Royal Brompton.

"They were able to provide fantastic care straight away and she is now doing very well. I hope she will be home in a matter of days. If you think what we were trained to do, then this was not a big thing in comparison. I know this seems like a major event - from our point of view we are trained for this every day."

Hundreds of patients had cancer treatment cancelled or postponed today after the fire ripped through the top floor of the hospital in Fulham Road.

All today's appointments and admissions were originally called off after the blaze forced hundreds to flee the wards.

At least 54 patients were transferred to the Royal Brompton hospital opposite, where some planned surgery had to be put off to accommodate Marsden patients.

But some of the hospital was able to get back to work after an assessment by firefighters and hospital bosses found the damage was not as bad has had been feared. At least half of the roof has burned away and there is major smoke and water damage to at least one operating theatre and two wards.

The blaze was brought under control last night by 125 firefighters. Thirtywere still damping down hotspots today. London Fire Brigade says arson seems unlikely.

Specialist cleaners went in early this morning to start the massive clean-up. Insiders said it could be months before the five basement operating theatres can be used. But the Wallace Wing, where outpatients are seen, has escaped damage.

Breast cancer surgeon Gerald Gui said: "The fire was devastating but not as bad as we thought. We should be able to treat patients. It is a huge relief to all of us."

Hospital chief executive Cally Palmer said as many patients as possible would be treated "in Marsden buildings by Marsden doctors". For the most acutely ill patients at the Royal Brompton this is likely to mean a transfer to the Marsden's second hospital, in Sutton.

But for hundreds more patients due to visit for routine outpatient checks, there was confusion. Surgeons were also calling round west London hospitals to establish which trusts had spare operating tables for the next few weeks.

Outpatient Verite Reilly Collins said: "I am glad they have got things sorted out so quickly for the really ill people. I was due for an appointment yesterday but I haven't heard anything."

Four London trusts and the Christie Hospital in Manchester have offered to clear space for cancer clinics run by Marsden doctors and nurses.

Specialist nursing teams may also be sent out to patients diverted to Charing Cross, St Mary's in Paddington, the Hammersmith, the Chelsea and Westminster and the Royal Brompton.

MsPalmer urged patients to call helpline numbers to find out where they will be treated.

The Royal Marsden helpline numbers are: 020 8770 9395, 020 8661 3836, 020 8661 3839 and 020 8770 9683.