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# Refrigerator leak prompts emergency response at Ipswich neurological centre
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/refrigerator-leak-prompts-emergency-response-at-ipswich-neurological-centre/
- Published: 2025-07-21T11:21:53.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:07:33.000Z
- Description: Firefighters responded to a refrigerant gas leak at The Chantry neurological care facility on Monday morning, safely evacuating patients after staff reported eye irritation from chemical fumes.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Incidents, #article, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS), The Chantry, #Import 2026-03-16 14:43

**Why it matters:** Quick action by care facility staff and emergency responders prevented harm to vulnerable patients at the specialist neurological centre on Hadleigh Road.

**What happened:** Staff at The Chantry reported a strong chemical odour at 05:31 on Monday, with some experiencing eye irritation. Fire crews discovered a faulty refrigerator was leaking refrigerant gas, causing elevated ammonia levels throughout the building.

**The response:** Three fire engines, one officer, and a hazardous materials advisor attended the incident. Crews helped relocate patients to safety before using breathing apparatus to ventilate the premises and remove the damaged refrigerator to an external area.

**The details:** The facility, which provides care for people with brain injuries and neurological conditions including Huntington's disease and Parkinson's, returned to normal operations after the scene was declared safe at 08:46\. East of England Ambulance Service also attended as a precaution.

**What's next:** Fire crews recommended the faulty refrigerator be removed by a specialist contractor to prevent future incidents.

**The bottom line:** Professional emergency response and vigilant staff ensured no patients were harmed during the three-hour incident, with "minimal disruption" to the care facility's operations.

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