The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) wishes to provide an update on a fire alarm activation at the Maternity Unit of the Port of Spain General Hospital (POSGH) on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The alarm was activated following the burning out of an air-conditioning component, which generated smoke and triggered the building’s fire alarm system. In keeping with established safety protocols, the Maternity Unit was evacuated, and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) was contacted and responded within approximately 10 minutes.
NICU staff and patients were safely evacuated within a short timeframe, while the TTFS conducted an assessment of the building to determine its suitability for re-occupancy. The building was investigated and cleared by the TTFS within approximately one hour.
All emergency cases were accommodated at the Main Operating Theatre during the incident. One pregnant woman, who was a non-emergency case, was transferred to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex at Mt. Hope as a precautionary measure.
The NWRHA wishes to emphasise that no babies were transferred to another institution. All babies were safely evacuated from the NICU and returned to the unit once clearance for re-occupancy was given. All babies are accounted for and continue to be monitored by clinical staff.
All established emergency and evacuation protocols were followed. The NWRHA confirms that all staff and patients are safe and that there were no adverse events arising from the incident.
The NWRHA extends its sincere appreciation to the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service and the staff of the Port of Spain General Hospital for their swift, professional and coordinated response.