CORBETT Hospital has been hit by a suspected chemical leak.

The site is closed and clinics have been postponed while the fire service works to contain the spillage.

Emergency services rushed to the Vicarage Road hospital after West Midlands Fire Service was called just before 11am to reports of suspected leak.

The spillage happened in a temperature controlled cabinet and staff and patients were evacuated from the affected area.

Hospital bosses have confirmed there is no risk to the public.

Diane Wake, Chief Executive at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We can confirm that West Midlands emergency services were called to Corbett Outpatient Centre today following a chemical spillage in a secure, temperature controlled cabinet.

"Our staff followed all the appropriate procedures and evacuated staff and patients in that area affected. There is no risk to the public.

"All clinics have been postponed and patients informed while West Midlands Fire Service contain the incident.

"The site is temporarily closed while the incident is managed. We are awaiting further updates from West Midlands Fire Service."

Ten firefighters attended the scene, with the first crew arriving in three minutes and the second in four.

West Midlands Ambulance Service also attended the scene, where paramedics treated ten patients who were showing symptoms related to the spillage.

A woman was taken to Russells Hall Hospital as a precaution.

A West Midlands Ambulance spokeswoman said: “Crews have assessed ten patients who were showing symptoms relating to the incident.  Following assessment, nine of them were able to be discharged at the scene.  The tenth patient, a woman, was taken to Russell’s Hall Hospital as a precaution.” 

Hospital bosses have confirmed that the hospital will reopen tomorrow (Friday, February 14) as normal and clinics scheduled for tomorrow will go ahead as planned.

Diane Wake, Chief Executive at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, added: "Corbett Outpatient Centre, which was closed due to a chemical spillage today, will reopen tomorrow, Friday 14th February. All clinics scheduled for tomorrow are going ahead as planned and patients should attend their appointments as usual.

"Any patient whose appointment was cancelled today will be contacted and offered an alternative clinic slot."