Blackout at Burrswood
Thursday, 23 August 2007
Just before 1pm on Wednesday 22nd August, a large beech tree in Burrs Wood fell down in the winds bringing with it the power lines that supply Burrswood Hospital. The 35 bed hospital at Groombridge was plunged into conditions reminiscent of the 19th century until power was restored at 8.30pm.The wooded area on the estate has become very wet with all the recent rain and it didn't take much of a wind to send the tree crashing. Staff had to cope without any electrical appliances, phones or even the bleep system, with just the emergency lighting providing a little light. However, the whole team pulled together, some volunteering to work long after their normal shift had finished. Once darkness fell, the nurses resembled Florence Nightingale as they used lanterns to light their rounds and most of the building was lit up with candles.
"At no time was anyone at risk" reassured Michelle Templeman, Acting Chief Executive, "and everyone pulled together. There was a real war-time spirit."
Workmen from the local energy company worked hard to get the power restored, even if only on a temporary basis until the poles carrying the cables can be replaced.
One small benefit of the inconvenience for the afternoon staff was that they were able to leave all the washing up for the team on duty the following morning!
Read the whole article...
