Update: The GP practice will be seeing patients tomorrow (Wednesday), although the latest statement posted on the surgery’s website at 5pm describes how computers and phones were destroyed in the fire:
We will be seeing patients from tomorrow and have 3 phone lines into the practice. We hope to increase the number of lines in but the fire was located in the upstairs admin room which has meant we have lost 8 workstations & phones. We can ring out so will be contacting patients with results as per normal. Reception is closed and the entrance will be via the side door. A receptionist has been placed in the waiting room.
This morning just before 8am there was a small fire at Saxonbury House in Crowborough.
Three fire crew attended. No-one was injured and everyone was safely evacuated. Firefighters using breathing apparatus tackled the fire using two hose reel jets.
Crowborough Community Fire Station’s Watch Manager has praised staff for responding quickly. Trevor Funnell said:
Staff reacted quickly by evacuating the building promptly and were able to give us vital information on the location of the fire, as well as any risks to us.
Firefighters needed to isolate the power supply and this information was readily given to us. Therefore, we were able to extinguish the fire quickly and effectively.
The building is covered with an alarm and a member of staff discovered the fire on the first-floor and activated the break glass call point.
The crews were able to contain the fire, which resulted in largely smoke damage. Following an initial fire investigation we believe the cause is an accidental electrical fire.
The emergency services have left the scene, but the surgery remains closed because of smoke and water damage to the premises.
A notice on the surgery’s website reads:
There has been a fire at the surgery and we are currently unable to see patients. Please call 111 if you need to see a GP or 999 if it’s an emergency. We will update as we know more.
The car park is taped off. There is a sign at the entrance which explains that Chappells Pharmacy, based at the surgery, hopes to reopen this afternoon.
The GP practice has been approached for a statement. More information to follow.
Saw it this morning as had an appointment. Apparently water had dripped onto a computer in the secretaries’ room, causing a short. When someone switched on the light, whoof! Nobody was hurt, and the Crowborough firefighters stopped it getting into the roof. Well done, guys! What a rotten thing to happen just before Christmas. Now the staff will have to phone round all the patients to rearrange appointments.
I had an appointment this morning too and had a personal call from Dr Bennion – impressed. Now need to re-schedule at some point but not an emergency.