SPRINKLER systems have been installed at two wards at Peasley Hospital as part of a regional initiative to protect vulnerable members of the community against the risk of fire.

The system has been installed on Taylor and Iris Wards at the Marshalls Cross Road hospital as part of a project agreed by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

The sprinklers will now help protect 32 patients at the two-storey-high building from fire.

Mike Roscoe, Assistant Director at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We’d like to thank Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority for its kind contribution towards getting these sprinklers fitted on our wards which have helped ensure our patients are better protected in the event of a fire.

“Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority also worked with us to help ensure that the sprinklers fitted are suitable for the environment on our wards.”

MFRA Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan, said: “The fitting of sprinklers in Peasley Cross Hospital’s Taylor and Iris Wards is a great step forward in helping to protect patients from fire.

“MFRA is promoting the use of sprinklers in schools, commercial, healthcare and residential buildings for a number of reasons.

“Firstly, they suppress fires and contain them, which helps us when firefighters and crews arrive on scene and contributes towards their safety.

“They also limit fire spread, protect occupants and reduce fire damage to businesses, helping owners get back to normal quickly.

“Greater use of fire sprinklers would make the country safer and more resilient.”