More than 100 operations will have been cancelled as a result of a fire at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary.

Bosses have warned that the incident will have a significant impact on efforts to meet waiting time targets.

Fire broke out at the hospital last Thursday, prompting a major response – including evacuating the first floor.

While the blaze was contained within the infirmary’s sterile services department and no-one was injured, it destroyed machinery – which sterilises equipment used in surgery and tests – and filled the unit with smoke.

At a meeting of the North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust board in Carlisle yesterday, chief operating officer Helen Ray said there was significant smoke damage, leaving the various sterilising machines out of action.

“The endoscopy washer/disinfector is back up and running but the general washer/disinfector will be out of action until a minimum of Friday this week,” she added.

In recent months the hospital has been working to address serious fire safety concerns after it was discovered that the building, including its alarm system, did not meet minimum safety standards.

This was the first major test of the improved measures and bosses said it went to plan.

But she said the damage caused is having a knock-on effect on surgery.

Emergency operations are continuing, thanks to equipment sterilised at other hospitals, but routine surgery has been hit.

“We are tracking the numbers but there will be in excess of 100 patients affected,” Mrs Ray warned.

“Clearly it will take some time to ensure those patients are brought back into hospital. We will do that with clinicians on a basis of clinical priority.

“It gives us a significant hurdle though. The impact on the 18-week waiting standard is going to be absolutely huge.”

As a contingency, staff have been taking theatre kit up to the Dumfries Royal Infirmary and using its equipment over the weekend and evenings.

Mrs Ray added: “We have been able to ensure that emergency surgery can continue. That was set up from the night of the fire. Northumbria have also helped but they have limited capacity.”

Now North Tees has stepped in, offering facilities every night this week and the staff to carry out the work. The trust is now sending four loads of kit a day.

The board heard that North Tees management had called on their staff to do everything they can to help.

The North Cumbria trust board sent its thanks to all the organisations who have rallied round to help, as well as commending staff for their “exemplary response”.

Chief executive Ann Farrar said: “I’m proud of every single member of staff and our NHS partners.”