What is the current status at University Hospital Southampton?

The fire has been contained and a major incident declared to manage the response. More than 200 patients were evacuated. Monday, 2 February elective surgeries are cancelled, and the Emergency Department is diverting most cases. The Trust will reopen areas in stages once safety inspections and cleaning confirm it is safe to restore services.

Are operations on Monday cancelled and what should patients do?

Yes. Elective surgeries scheduled for Monday, 2 February are cancelled. Patients should wait for direct contact from the hospital about new dates. For urgent needs, use NHS 111 or follow clinical team advice. Do not travel to site without confirmation, as departments may be operating at reduced capacity during inspections.

How will the major incident affect emergency care in the region?

Ambulance services are diverting most cases to neighbouring hospitals to keep critical areas safe during checks. Patients with non‑life‑threatening issues may be directed to urgent treatment centres. Expect longer travel times and potential delays until the hospital confirms that core infrastructure, theatres, and ED capacity are fully restored.

What could repair and remediation involve, and who might be contracted?

Works typically include smoke remediation, electrical and life‑safety testing, HVAC checks, and equipment replacement. NHS trusts can use established frameworks, such as ProCure23, to appoint contractors for rapid works. Watch for Trust statements detailing scopes, timelines, and supplier awards once damage assessments are complete and risk controls are in place.

Law and Government

February 02: Southampton Hospital Fire Disrupts Care, Operations Cancelled

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

The southampton hospital fire has triggered a major incident at University Hospital Southampton, affecting care across Hampshire. More than 200 patients were evacuated after the blaze on 1 February 2026, and all elective operations scheduled for Monday, 2 February, are cancelled. The Emergency Department is diverting most cases to other sites while safety checks continue. We outline what happened, how services are changing, and what investors should watch as repair and procurement decisions follow.