EMERGENCY services were called to St Helens Hospital after a chemical spillage in the building.

The operating theatre suite at the hospital was evacuated this morning following a chemical leak close to two of the theatres.

Firefighters, police and paramedics attended the scene. Crews wearing chemical protection suits entered the area to contain the spillage and absorbent mats were used.

The spillage came from a piece of equipment which had been installed yesterday.

The hospital says the equipment has now been removed while the external suppliers remedy the fault.

Nine staff required precautionary checks but no medical treatment was needed.

Outpatient clinics continued as normal and no other areas of the hospital were affected.

The hospital added patients whose surgery was re-scheduled have been contacted.

Ann Marr, chief executive of St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust, said: “I would like to extend my sincere apologies to patients whose planned surgery was affected today.

"Patient safety is always our priority and I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation.”