Patients, hospital staff and members of the pubic have been forced outside the evacuated Gold Coast University Hospital foyer as police investigate a suspicious backpack. Photo: Glenn Hampson Source: Supplied
PARTS of the Gold Coast University Hospital has reportedly been evacuated this afternoon as staff and police investigate a suspicious backpack.
The Parkwood medical precinct was evacuated just before 1pm when the bag was discovered in the food court area by a cleaner.
The Bulletin understands the bomb squad is on the way.
Hundreds of people were initially gathered outside the hospital after people were banned from entering the main foyer.
They have now been pushed across the road away from the main entrance and members of the public are being asked to avoid the area.
The hospital’s emergency department remains open though.
The rest of the hospital will remain restricted until it is determined if the unattended backpack is safe.
“You can’t get in or get out,” a source said.
“Everyone on the ground floor has been evacuated.
“There’s heaps of people standing around outside just waiting.”
Some staff were allowed back into the hospital about 2pm.
More information as it becomes available.
Originally published as Gold Coast Uni Hospital evacuated