The Royal Falkland Islands Police (RFIP) is investigating arson following two incidents at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) in Stanley.
Acting Chief of Police, Inspector Tom O’Brien said: “We’ve received a report following an investigation by the fire department into an event at the hospital, which is being dealt with by RFIP as an arson. That’s an active investigation.”
A spokesperson for the KEMH said the investigation relates to two recent incidents in the dental department:
“On the 3rd of July, a fire alarm was activated necessitating the evacuation of the KEMH. A fire was found and extinguished by a member of staff.
On the 15th of July, a further incident occurred, which was not a full fire and did not require an evacuation.”
The KEMH continues: “Both incidents were minor and were extinguished before there was any risk to patients, members of the public, or KEMH staff. The nature of these incidents has raised concern though as their cause cannot be readily explained. Accordingly, the KEMH has reported both matters to the Royal Falkland Islands Police (RFIP) for investigation, as well as receiving support from the Fire Service as required.”
The KEMH ended by saying it takes this issue “extremely seriously” and “hospital management have taken some immediate steps to reduce the risk of further incident. Consideration of further actions may be necessary in conjunction with the outcomes of the RFIP investigation.”
