Around 200 patients were evacuated after fire crews were called out to tackle the fire that broke out at 5.30am in the hospital's west wing. 

A spokesperson for University Hospital Southampton, said: 'Following a considerable effort throughout yesterday in repurposing all available space in our hospitals, last night all of those patients were being cared for in beds and on wards. The majority remained in Southampton General Hospital, but some patients were transported to hospitals across the area last night in a coordinated mutual aid response with healthcare partners and supported by SCAS.' 

'The fire and subsequent damage to our site has resulted in some patients who had to be moved now being without their personal belongings, including mobile phones.

'We understand the anxiety this is causing relatives and want to reassure them we have a dedicated team of staff in our Patient Support Hub working to recover belongings when it is safe to do so and make contact with next of kin.'

The hospital said its emergency department remained closed for all except life or limb threatening incidents with a significant amount of surgeries and outpatient appointments cancelled. 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is investigating the cause of the fire.