Diagnostic tests for patients requiring endoscopy procedures has resumed at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) following the installation of two specialist mobile endoscopy units.

Andy Hyett, chief operating officer at UHS, said: ‘Bringing patients who require these important diagnostic tests back to UHS is a real milestone in our recovery, which would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff.'

The blaze at on 1 February, which caused the evacuation of 500 patients, has reduced the hospital's capacity by 140 beds, with part of its West Wing out of action and a number of services still disrupted and displaced.

Since then, only emergency, inpatient and therapeutic endoscopies have been possible, following the swift repurposing of two theatres plus use of an area within the trust's Clinical Research Facility.

Some patients have been seen by our staff, who were relocated, in temporary sites including Royal South Hants, Spire, Nuffield and Lymington hospital but the trust's ability to deliver a full service has been impeded and waiting lists affected.

Work is now underway on land at neighbouring Adanac Park to open three further three mobile endoscopy units in June, helping to increase capacity.