An investigation is under way after fire tore through the roof space at Stracathro Hospital near Brechin yesterday, forcing the cancellation of surgical procedures.
A full-scale emergency response was scrambled at about 11.30am, with outpatients and staff having to be evacuated from its surgical unit.
Perimeter cordons were quickly established around the hospital, with the first close to the unit and a second further from the scene.
Access was strictly enforced by the police, though it is understood two surgical procedures which were being carried out in the theatre suite at the hospital continued safely.
Around 35 firefighters were involved in the operation to bring the fire under control.
Crews remained on scene for about three hours.
Scottish Fire and Rescue confirmed the fire had been confined to the roof space of the single-storey building and had been extinguished by firefighters who used an aerial ladder to carry out an extensive inspection of the affected area.
Despite the drama, NHS Tayside said the remainder of the hospital had been able to continue to operate without significant disruption.
The extent of the damage is not yet clear but the health board decided to postpone all surgical procedures and radiology appointments at the facility on Tuesday.
Affected patients were given the news on Monday afternoon.
Investigations are continuing and senior staff from NHS Tayside were on site yesterday to assess the impact of the fire on services.
There may, however, be further disruption ahead as a more detailed assessment on whether to postpone appointments for the rest of the week will also be undertaken.
Malcolm Wright, Chief Executive of NHS Tayside, said, “The hospital’s response and evacuation plan worked very well and patients and staff were evacuated quickly and safely.
“I would like to thank all staff and our emergency service colleagues for their response today which demonstrated the true professionalism of all agencies involved.”
