The situation is improving at Nobles Hospital this afternoon after what was described as a 'major power outage' earlier this morning (Tues).

It's understood a problem with the main supply cut power to the hospital at around 7.20am causing the hospital's own standby generator to cut in.

However, it's believed a circuit breaker on the standby generator also failed meaning back-up power didn't reach the hospital's main system.

Critical areas were then supported by battery power.

Health Minister Eddie Teare says whilst it was a very serious problem, patients weren't in danger:

Mr Teare has now instructed that an independent investigation into the incident be conducted with the report being sent direct to him.

MEA Engineers have detected a ‘faulty voltage sensing relay’ on the Nobles Hospital supply, and are assisting Nobles staff in replacing their faulty apparatus to fully rectify the problem, removing the need for generation back-up and returning the supplies to normal.

Outpatients and visitors who earlier were asked to stay away from the hospital until the situation improved can now attend.

Theatre activities are still under review.