Critical Incident Declared At Sussex Hospitals Amid Winter Pressures

A critical incident has been declared affecting hospitals in Sussex due to what health leaders describe as significant and ongoing pressure on NHS services.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is among those impacted, with rising cases of flu and norovirus, increased staff sickness, and a surge in emergency admissions contributing to the situation.

Cold weather has also led to more frail patients requiring hospital care.

Health officials say emergency departments are experiencing high demand, alongside ongoing challenges discharging patients who are medically fit to leave hospital, placing further strain on bed capacity.

As a result, some non-urgent operations, treatments and outpatient appointments may be rescheduled to ensure patients with the most urgent clinical needs continue to receive care.

Patients are being advised to attend appointments as normal unless they are contacted directly, with cancer services and urgent procedures being prioritised.

Hospitals and clinics affected within Sussex include East Surrey Hospital, Horsham Hospital, Dorking Clinic, Horley Health Clinic and Lingfield Clinic.

Residents are being urged to consider alternative NHS services for non-life-threatening conditions, as attending emergency departments could result in long waiting times.

Health leaders say declaring a critical incident allows trusts to take additional steps to maintain safe patient care during periods of extreme pressure.