§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision has been made to ensure prompt evacuation of patients, staff and visitors at the tower block of Belfast city hospital in the event of fire or a terrorist bomb affecting lifts or stairs.
§ Mr. NeedhamProvision has been made for the evacuation of patients, staff and visitors to designated fire-safe zones within the building.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff, medical, office and ancillaries, are expected to be employed in the tower block of Belfast city hospital when it is fully operational; and what is the maximum number of patients who can be accommodated in the tower block.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe total number of staff will be around 1,950 whole time equivalents. The total bed complement is 583.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the fire precautions which will be in force when the new tower block at Belfast city hospital is opened; how many lifts exist in the tower block, and whether separate emergency power will be provided to different groups of lifts.
§ Mr. NeedhamYes. There are 13 lifts in the building and provision has been made for separate emergency power supplies to each lift.