Hospital helipad use suspended after fire breaks out

Emergency services are responding to a fire near to a hospital helipad which has led to the suspension of air ambulance activity.

Fire crews have been sent to Prince Charles Hospital, in Merthyr Tydfil, and are working to resolve the situation.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said patients requiring urgent specialist treatment may be diverted to alternative hospitals, which could result in delays and longer transfer times.

The health board has reassured patients that the incident is affecting air ambulance access only, and the emergency department remains open, if any patients require urgent or emergency care.

South Wales Police said it was called at 15:20 BST to a fire on Fernhill Close in Merthyr Tydfil, adding that officers attended the scene to help with traffic management and investigations into the cause of the fire were ongoing.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Merthyr, Aberdare, Brynmawr and Rhymney were currently dealing with the incident.