Bomb scare sparks hospital evac
A BOMB threat at the Tweed Hospital has resulted in staff and patients evacuated from two wards.
Staff and patients could be seen out the front of the hospital looking distressed as police conducted an investigation into the security threat.
Police said just before 10am today a staff member at the hospital received a telephone call during which a threat was made against the Powell Street facility.
Police from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command, an Australia Federal Police bomb detection dog and other emergency services personnel responded to the incident.
"A thorough search of the hospital was conducted before it was declared safe for them to return," a police spokesman said.
Local detectives are continuing their inquiries to identify the source of the threat.
Tweed/Byron Health Services Group executive director Tim Free said at no time was patient care compromised.
"In accordance with emergency protocol all staff and patients from two wards were evacuated to the designated assembly points," he said.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Tweed Heads Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
