Queen's Medical Centre fire caused by discarded cigarette
The NHS Trust says smoking is banned anywhere on site
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has revealed that a fire at the Queen's Medical Centre earlier this month was caused by a discarded cigarette.
The fire started on the evening of January 2nd 2026 outside the A&E department.
The Trust said the grounds had been smoke free since 2006 with anyone who wishes to smoke encouraged to leave the hospital grounds.
Tom Jenkinson, Emergency and Acute Care General Manager, said: “The incident meant a small number of patients were relocated as a precaution and we temporarily paused admissions into A&E whilst the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service assessed the situation.
“We are grateful for the support given to us by the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and thankful that no patients or staff came to harm.”
A spokesperson for NFRS said: "We were called at 8:28 pm on 2 January 2026 to reports of a fire at Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Lenton. Crews from Highfields, London Road, Stockhill, Arnold and Carlton attended the incident.
"A fire was located in the structural void and was extinguished using one hose reel jet.
"Once extinguished, crews revisited the site periodically throughout the night to reinspect and ensure no further heat sources were present.
“Incidents like this are a reminder of the importance of fully extinguishing cigarettes before disposing of them. Failing to do so can easily start a fire, especially if they are discarded with combustible materials.”
Dan Grundy, NUH’s fire safety manager said: “We would like to thank emergency department staff for their prompt action in raising the alarm and implementing evacuation procedures in a highly pressurised environment, and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for their determination in locating the source of ignition.
“We would like to remind all patients, visitors, staff and contractors that our hospital grounds are a strictly no-smoking environment. This incident demonstrates the unnecessary risks associated with smoking on our sites.”
Jack Adlam, Director of Communications and Engagement, said: “Our hospitals have been smokefree for the past two decades, but people continue to smoke on our hospital grounds, particularly around our main entrances.
“For the patients, visitors and staff who use our hospitals every day, this creates an unpleasant and unhealthy environment, and it is simply unacceptable.
“The risks of smoking to our own health, and the health of those around us, are well known. But this incident shows the potential dangers on a much wider and more serious scale. A single discarded cigarette has the ability to cause a fire that could put vulnerable patients at risk, disrupt vital services, and divert our teams from the care they are here to provide.
“Fortunately, on this occasion there was minimal impact and no one came to harm thanks to the speedy and professional response of our staff, but we cannot rely on luck.
“We need everyone’s support to respect our smokefree policy and help us stamp out smoking on our hospital grounds."