Health chief's warning after 'vaping' patient set fire to herself in hospital

Hospital leaders have issued an urgent safety warning after a patient set herself on fire after she is believed to have been vaping while wearing an oxygen mask.

- by Tom Patterson

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is reminding patients and visitors that smoking is not allowed anywhere on its sites, while vaping is also not allowed, inside or outside.

The incident happened while the woman - in her 50s - was being treated in a side room at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The patient was left with burns to her head after the fire.

It is alleged she had been vaping when the incident happened.

The burn injuries have been treated and the patient remains in hospital as her care continues.

The Trust has issued images showing the aftermath of the fire, showing how the heat of the blaze melted the oxygen mask and its tube into a blanket and bed sheet. The floor of the room was also left scorched.