Hospital staff injured after 'accidental chemical spill'

Staff at a hospital have been injured and a decontamination area has been set up following an "accidental chemical spill".

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said three members of staff at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, in Hillfield Road, had been treated for minor injuries after a leak of cleaning fluid from a decontamination machine.

The trust said it had been working with police, firefighters and the ambulance service in response to the leak, which it described as "contained".

In a social media post at 11:37 BST, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are currently in attendance at Hemel Hempstead Hospital following a chemical leak."

A spokesperson added: "People have been evacuated from the immediate scene and a decontamination area has been established while investigations continue."

Police confirmed officers were on the scene to enforce road closures.

A hospital statement said: "A small number of staff members have received treatment for minor injuries following the incident, which relates to an accidental chemical spill.

"The incident is contained and will not affect local residents."

Patients have been told to attend outpatients appointments as normal.

The statement added: "The urgent treatment centre, blood clinic and radiology departments remain open as normal."

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