Patients, staff at Epworth Hawthorn caught up in security scare

SEVERAL bomb hoax calls led to the evacuation of patients and staff at Epworth Hawthorn this morning. The scare caused peak hour pain for commuters, with a major train line suspended and roads closed.

SEVERAL hoax calls led to the evacuation of patients and staff at Epworth Hawthorn this morning.

A total of 36 people were evacuated from the hospital, seven of them in theatre and one anaesthetised who had to be woken up.

Patients and staff have since been allowed to return to the facility.

The scare caused peak hour pain for commuters, with a major train line suspended and roads closed.

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Epworth Hawthorn Acting Executive Director Jo Goodridge said two phone calls — believed to be from the same person — sparked the security scare around 8am.

A male voice could be heard on both phone calls — with one detailing specifics of the site of the bomb, Ms Goodridge said.

Staff and patients outside the Epworth Hospital in Hawthorn, evacuated over bomb threats. Picture: David Crosling

The bomb threats have been confirmed as a hoax. Picture: David Crosling

The incidents were later confirmed to be a hoax after police conducted safety checks.

Camberwell Sergeant Bill Tsiros said there was nothing suspicious found inside the hospital.

“The scene’s been rehabilitated and it’s now under investigation,” he said.

He said detectives were working to track down the caller.

Ms Goodridge said it was “very disappointing” that someone would ring in a bomb threat at a hospital.

She praised the quick work of staff to get everyone out safely and in an orderly manner.

“They were incredible,” she said.

“Our other Epworth sites brought in blankets and food and water, everyone was very comfortable enjoying some time in the park (St James Park over the road).”

Patient Bob Milroy was having breakfast at the time and had to quickly get a shirt on and get out of the room.

“I heard the alert and thought someone was playing a joke on me,” the 64-year-old said.

Mr Milroy, who is in a wheelchair getting rehabilitation for leg injuries, said he was “amazed” someone would target a hospital for a bomb threat.

“I’ve experienced bomb alerts and stuff like that before in London for the IRA. It’s a frightening experience being in that environment.

“Not for one minute did I think it (today’s incident) was going to be real but you never know do you?”

He said he was impressed by how promptly the hospital staff responded.

“There was no sense of panic.

“I feel quite relaxed now, I was well looked after. It’s actually nice to get out of the hospital get some fresh air.”

Police outside the hospital. Picture: David Crosling

Hawthorn station is open again after the Alamein, Belgrave and Lilydale between Burnley and Camberwell lines were suspended.

An exclusion zone had also been set up between Barton Street and Evansdale Road, with Burwood Rd closed between the two points.

Epworth Hawthorn assured everyone was safe, via Twitter this morning.

“Please avoid the area and follow all instructions and updates from @VictoriaPolice. Trains & #75 tram may be affected.”

“We may not be able to receive incoming calls at Hawthorn, but we’ll provide updates ASAP.”

VicRoads said Burwood Rd was closed to all traffic between Power St and Church St due to the police operation.

They advised motorists to use Barkers Rd instead and warned there would be ongoing delays.

My morning at Epworth Hawthorne - interesting way to start the day in hospital pic.twitter.com/zcJLyUlgt1

— Jessica Henderson (@jesshenderson45) October 1, 2018

Patients and staff from Epworth Hospital in Hawthorn evacuated to nearby park following "security threat" to the factility @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/cCFiezyIe7

— Dougal Beatty (@DougalBeatty) October 1, 2018

Epworth Hawthorn has been evacuated after multiple bomb threats. The hospitals evacuation plan worked perfectly. Police are now in charge of the area and I'm told they have ordered trains not to stop at nearby Hawthorn Station. Avoid the area if you can.

— Seb Costello (@SebCostello9) October 1, 2018

Burwood Rd , Hawthorn - Road Closed, Burwood Rd closed to all traffic between Power St and Bridge Rd,… https://t.co/33dIP1B3p1 #victraffic

— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) October 1, 2018

Alternate tram routes include taking — the number 72 tram from Camberwell connecting with Gardiner on the Glen Waverley line.

— Tram route 70 near Camberwell to Burnley Bus route 624 from Auburn connecting with Tooronga on the Glen Waverley line

— Tram route 16 from Glenferrie connecting with Kooyong on the Glen Waverley line

Route 75 trams are diverting in both directions via Swan St between Stop 29 Riversdale Junction & Stop 6 Russell St.