Watford General Hospital has declared a “critical incident” due to a “flood” in the A&E department.

A burst water pipe initially triggered the fire alarms at the Vicarage Road hospital this afternoon and although the possible fire was ruled a false alarm it has still caused a major problem.

Multiple fire engines were seen by patients from the windows of the site’s buildings shortly before 3.30pm. Just before 4.30pm, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed to the Watford Observer that it has declared a “critical incident”.

A trust spokesperson said: “We have declared a critical incident due to a flood in our emergency department (A&E) caused by a burst water pipe.

"Our patients and staff are safe but unfortunately there will be long waits for care as a result.

"If you have an urgent but not life-threatening need, please visit 111 online first rather than going to A&E. 111 will be able to direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs.”

The department was apparently blocked off by security and patients were seen being moved away in stretchers, an eyewitness said.

Watford Observer: Watford General Hospital shortly before 3.30pm.Watford General Hospital shortly before 3.30pm. (Image: Contribution)

A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said: "Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 3:19pm this afternoon to reports of a fire alarm going off at Watford General Hospital.

"Two fire engines from Watford Fire Station were sent to the scene, where crews established that a water from a burst pipe had affected the alarm, causing it to activate in error.

"As there was no emergency situation, the crews had left the scene by 3:30pm."

It came after West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust had already shared that its A&E departments were particularly busy this morning, advising those in need of urgent care to use NHS 111.

This has been confirmed as a separate issue, due to respiratory illnesses becoming more prominent.

Watford Observer: Watford General Hospital shortly before 3.30pm.Watford General Hospital shortly before 3.30pm. (Image: Contribution)

Update: Today (November 22), a West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spokesperson said: "The critical incident in the emergency department (A&E) at Watford General was stood down within three hours at 6.30pm, after the repair of the waterpipe.

"All services returned to normal.

"If you have an urgent but not life-threatening need, please visit NHS 111 online first rather than going to A&E."