PATIENTS and staff at Crosshouse Hospital faced chaos this weekend after a power cut left the A&E department in darkness.

The Times can reveal lights, machinery and computers all shutdown completely for 18 minutes after a power failure on Sunday, August 2.

The A&E Department’s power shut off at 11.07am and didn’t regain any power again until 11.25am. However full power was not restored until a full 48 minutes later at 11.55am.

Following the blackout the hospital immediately enacted its contingency plan and diverted all 999 patients to University Hospital Ayr.

Hospital chiefs said despite the disruption, patient care was not affected.

Ann Gow, Interim Nurse Director, said: “University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock experienced a short power failure mid-morning on Sunday, August 2. We immediately enacted our contingency arrangements by diverting emergency (999) patients to University Hospital Ayr.

“Our Estates staff worked with Scottish Power and this issue has now been resolved.

“During this short power failure our staff at University Hospital Crosshouse ensured that patient care for those in University Hospital Crosshouse remained unaffected.” John Wright, Director of Corporate Support Services, added: “ The power supply to University Hospital Crosshouse was interrupted at approximately 11.07am. Power was restored in stages from 11.25am, with full power restored by 11.55am.

“Staff ensured that patient care was maintained at all times. We are carrying out our own investigations into the cause of this power outage as a matter of urgency, in addition to Scottish Power’s own investigation.”