Half of NHS hospitals forced to close wards and services due to flooding and structural problems, new data reveals

Almost half of NHS hospitals in England have experienced ward closures and the loss of vital services due to flooding, power cuts and structural problems.

The study, pulled from Freedom of Information requests to 95 NHS trusts in England, found that 42% of those who responded have had departments temporarily or permanently closed since 2020.  

For instance, at St George's Hospital in south London, flooding in the maternity ward in 2020 caused women in labour to be diverted to other hospitals, and in 2022, a separate flooding incident closed the paediatric ward for two days.  

St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington has experienced constant flooding leading to collapsing ceilings and rotting window frames. Two wards have had significant structural damage causing them to close, putting pressure on other departments.  

Surface water flooding, which occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, can have significant impacts on hospitals and the broader healthcare system. These impacts can be immediate and severe, with potential long-term consequences. 

Direct impacts of surface water flooding on hospitals include damage to hospital infrastructure, including power supplies, water systems, and medical equipment, leading to the temporary closure of wards or even entire hospitals. In severe cases, patients may need to be evacuated, which can be dangerous for seriously ill patients.  

Additionally floodwaters often carry contaminants, such as sewage or hazardous chemicals, which can lead to infections and pose serious health risks to patients and staff. 

Damage to expensive medical equipment and medicines calls for repairs or replacements, which can be time-consuming and expensive.  

The financial cost of repairing flood damage, replacing equipment, and managing the surge in patients can be substantial. These costs can strain hospital budgets and divert funds from other critical healthcare services. Regarding insurance, flood-related damages may lead to increased insurance premiums, adding to operational costs. In some instances, not all the damage will be covered, causing further financial stress. 

Being prepared with early warnings, hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare facilities will be able to move expensive equipment, medicines and patients to safety, put up flood defences on the entrances and exits and prevent against business interruption by reducing the amount of severe damage flooding that would cause wards to close.