KITCHEN facilities have been restored at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, following a burst pipe.

The faulty pipe was discovered beneath the hospital and was quickly isolated and repaired, and the affected area “thoroughly cleaned”. But a strong, unpleasant smell remained around the kitchen and restaurant area. As a result, and based on advice, the decision was taken to close them both.

Food production for patients temporarily moved to an alternative location, ensuring that patients were able to receive cold food options while the kitchen was out of service.

Following consultation with environmental health officers from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, hot food options were restored for patients from dinner time on September 1, with the restaurant re-opening to staff and visitors on Monday. In the meantime, food was available at other locations on the site.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused by this issue and I would like to thank our patients, visitors and staff for their patience.

“I would also like to thank all of our staff who worked around the clock to ensure that this issue was resolved as soon as possible.”