A major incident has been declared at an NHS hospital in Portsmouth after a "significant" leak left wards without water.

       The Queen Alexandra Hospital in Hampshire cancelled all outpatient appointments on Friday morning and announced that all scheduled morning slots will have to be rescheduled.

       A hospital source told The Telegraph that the incident had left the hospital without water, apart from one tank which was reserved for the Covid ward.

       This meant that doctors and nurses were unable to use sinks and sluices and patients had to be evacuated.

       It is understood a pipe burst above the gynaecology emergency clinic ward.

       The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust said in a statement: "As a result of a significant water leak affecting large parts of the Queen Alexandra Hospital site, we have declared a major incident.

       "All outpatients appointments scheduled for this morning (Friday, Jan 7) have been cancelled.

       We apologise for the short notice and any inconvenience this will cause.

       "We will rearrange the appointments as soon as possible. Dialysis and chemotherapy appointments continue as usual.

       "We will keep you updated with any developments and potential impact on other services."

       Two fire crews were sent to the hospital from Cosham Fire Station at 6.05am to help with the issue.

       The hospital added that virtual appointments will still continue as planned, and patients who had their face-to-face slots cancelled may be contacted to be offered a video call instead.

       Maternity outpatient appointments will also continue as usual, the hospital added.

       The incident came at a time when 8 per cent of the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust's workforce was absent, equating to 627 members of staff.

       According to latest figures, there are 65 patients in the trust's care with Covid, and 19 of those patients are in intensive care.

       Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "Cosham firefighters were called at 5:46am this morning to assist with a major incident at QA Hospital.

       "Crews used a pump to remove water and worked alongside onsite staff to prevent further flooding before leaving the scene at 7:45am.

       "Officers continue to liaise with partners to ascertain how we can assist."