Sussex NHS trust declares critical incident

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Horsham and Crawley hospitals, has declared a critical incident.

In a statement, officials said services are facing record numbers of people attending A&E, calling NHS 111 or 999 and accessing GP services.

Other issues include ongoing challenges in discharging patients who are well enough to leave hospital and a rise in staff sickness.

The trust also runs the East Surrey Hospital at Redhill which provides A&E cover for Gatwick airport.

The trust's statement said:

"Because of these pressures, the Trust has taken the decision to escalate to a critical incident which allows us to be able to take additional steps to maintain safe services for our patients and help us cope with the growing pressures.

"Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that despite the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward. People should continue to attend planned appointments unless they are contacted."

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• surrey and sussex healthcare nhs trust