A DISHWASHER at Bordon's Chase Hospital caught fire this week, but crisis was averted thanks to quick actions of staff.

The dishwasher in the staff kitchen caught fire late on Monday afternoon. 

Hospital staff called the  Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service immediately, and firefighters rushed to the site to deal with the fire. They also visited the hospital the following day to carry out further checks. 

The fire was contained in the staff kitchen and nobody was hurt. All clinical services being provided to patients at the time continued as normal without any disruption.

"All the staff at the hospital at the time were kept informed so they were able to reassure patients and tell them what was happening," NHS spokesman Mark Win-gham said. "The room has had fire and smoke damage so it has been locked to ensure no one can go into it. The electricity supply to the room has been turned off and the ventilation system deep cleaned so no fumes can leave it. As the room will be included in the planned refurbishment of the hospital, it will remain locked until this work is under way.

"Staff have been provided with alternative facilities so they can make themselves beverages, which is what the staff kitchen was used for."

The hospital's main kit-chen was not affected.