A Leeds hospital has declared a critical incident after a suspicious package was found outside a maternity unit.
Specialists from the police and the army were called to the Gledhow wing of St James’s Hospital, where some patients were evacuated.
The NHS trust said it had declared a critical incident “so we can protect staff and patients” while emergency services investigate.
West Yorkshire Police urged people to avoid the entrance to the Gledhow wing and said it had erected a cordon as a precaution.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, which runs St James’s Hospital, said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident involving a suspicious package outside the Gladow Wing at St James’s Hospital.
“A cordon has been put in place as a precaution to ensure public safety and we are working with the police to evacuate some areas of the wards to keep our patients and staff safe.
“Patients are asked to attend the hospital as normal for appointments unless contacted otherwise. Visits for patients currently in the Gledhow Wing and Lincoln Wing at St James Hospital have been suspended until further information is received. Accident and Emergency in St James is still open.’
West Yorkshire Police added: “Officers are liaising with army specialists who are on the scene to make an assessment in accordance with normal procedures. People are asked to avoid the Gledhow Wing entrance at this time.’
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The Gledhow Wing, about a mile from Leeds city centre, houses the majority of maternity services at St James’s Hospital, including its antenatal pregnancy clinic, maternity assessment center and birthing suite. It also includes respiratory and critical care units.
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