KITCHEN facilities have been restored at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, meaning hot food options are available for patients from this evening (Friday).

It is hoped that the restaurant will reopen for both staff and visitors on Monday, 4 September.

The burst pipe was discovered on Tuesday and was repaired and the affected area underneath the hospital thoroughly cleaned, but the hospital reported a 'strong' and 'unpleasant' smell remaining around the kitchen and restaurant area.

As a result, and based on professional advice, the Trust took the decision to close the restaurant, to both visitors and staff, and the kitchen on Wednesday.

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

Following consultation with environmental health officers from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the kitchen has now reopened and a full hot meal service will be available for patients from this evening.

While the restaurant is closed, food is available elsewhere on 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.”