Tuesday, 2 March, 2004, 13:56 GMT
Toaster ban over fire alarm fears

Toast can no longer be made on the wards of two major hospitals

Toasters have been banned from wards in two major hospital in north Wales over fears they pose a fire risk and trigger a high number of false alarms for firefighters.

The ban at Bangor's Ysbyty Gwynedd and Llandudno's General Hospital also extends to nine community hospitals run by North West Wales NHS Trust.

The ban was first introduced during the national firefighters' strike 16 months ago but has now the trust has made it permanent.

False fire alarms in trust hospitals fell by 75 in the six months after toasters were first removed.

Trust spokesman Alan Parry said toasters were "clearly a health fire risk" and there had been a number of recent fires at care establishments.

Every time there was a false alarm here at Ysbyty Gwynedd two fire engines were sent. Trust spokesman Alan Parry

"It shows how vulnerable hospitals could be in the event of a serious fire and we will do anything we can to minimise the risk."

Toasters are also not being reinstated because of the high number of false alarms.

"Because of the high numbers of false alarms resulting from the use of toasters, the trust has decided to remove them," said Mr Parry.

"The number of false alarms to the fire service fell by 75 in the six months after the toasters were removed.

He said the move was in response to the UK Government urging the public sector to reduce the numbers of false fire alarms as they can clearly cost lives.

"Every time there was a false alarm here at Ysbyty Gwynedd two fire engines were sent.

"They had to travel at high speed through the middle of Bangor, which is a danger, when there could have been a genuine 999 call somewhere else."

Toast is still available from Ysbyty Gwynedd's canteen and is served on the wards.

Dilys Shaw, chief officer of Anglesey Community Health Council which represents patients, said: "Safety is very important and I think it's a price worth paying.

"I have been there when a false alarm has gone off and the bells are ringing and it's not a nice feeling especially if you are ill in bed."