Queen Mary Hospital relocates 17 patients over smoke and burning smell on ward

Seventeen patients at Queen Mary Hospital were transferred to another ward after white smoke and a burning smell emerged from an air duct on the original medicine ward on Friday morning. 

No patients or staff were injured during the incident and patient services were not affected. 

The incident occurred around 11.30 am on Friday and the involved medicine ward is located on the 20/F of Block K. 

“Upon on-site inspection by the firemen, it was confirmed that there was no fire at the scene,” the hospital said. 

“After a preliminary investigation, it is believed that the incident was caused by an overheated v-belt in the exhaust fan in the rooftop plant room in Block K.” 

The hospital also said that the facility concerned was replaced on November 2 and thorough checking had been conducted by the contractor at the time with no abnormalities found. 

The hospital continued that it will conduct a detailed analysis and investigation through various directions, including the materials used, installation process, system operation and environment factors on scene. 

The hospital said it had reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and will arrange for further inspections to ensure facility safety.