A HOSPITAL director has apologised after a patient was set on fire during surgery.

The unnamed patient was undergoing a surgical procedure at Scarborough Hospital, in North Yorkshire, when a chemical solution used to clean the skin ignited.

Staff were also burned in the incident on Monday afternoon.

The patient was treated for burns and transferred to Pinderfields Hospital in West Yorkshire.

Liz Booth, director of operations at Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust, said: "I can confirm that during a surgical procedure a solution used to clean the skin ignited, causing skin burns to the patient.

"The skin burn was treated immediately and the patient was kept in hospital over night. As a precaution the patient was transferred to Pinderfields for further assessment and on return was discharged.

"We are extremely sorry for any pain and distress caused to the patient.

"A full investigation commenced within minutes of the incident occurring and a final report will be produced and shared with the family."