In 2010/11, Bolton fire fighters were called out to more than 500 false alarms, over 100 of which came from the Royal Bolton Hospital, costing over £1 million.

Figures revealed that across Bolton, fire fighters were called out to 555 false fire alarms last year with 117 coming from the hospital, 29 from the mental health wards. Fire fighters have to attend all alarms and fire bosses have started working with the hospital chiefs to reduce the number of false alarms, which cost £2000 for each call out.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust have been working towards reducing unwanted fire signals by 30% over the past seven years by replacing fire alarm systems during refurbishment, fire awareness training and improvements in kitchen equipment to reduce fire risks. Figures show a decrease in false fire alarms from the hospital since 2009/10 which recorded 125 unwanted fire signals and 2010/11 figure of 117 call outs.