Late into the night, significant advancements have been achieved in the restoration of IT systems at the Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal hospitals. This comes after a Critical Incident was declared earlier in the evening due to major disruptions in IT and phone systems, causing concerns over patient care.
The response to this crisis has been nothing short of remarkable. Hospital staff, alongside external support, have shown unwavering dedication in tackling the IT disruptions. Additionally, the South East Coast Ambulance Service, in collaboration with other NHS Trusts and partners, played a pivotal role in assisting during this challenging time, contributing to the stabilization of the affected systems.
While substantial progress has been made, it’s crucial to emphasize that the situation is still evolving. As such, the public is strongly encouraged to refrain from using Emergency Departments for non-critical issues. Instead, individuals seeking non-emergency advice or assistance are advised to visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
The Critical Incident was officially declared at 10 PM, significantly impacting the operations of both the Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal hospitals. Ambulances were diverted, and patients were rerouted to alternative healthcare facilities. To ensure that lifesaving emergency care remains accessible, the public is urged to use Emergency Departments exclusively for critical situations. For urgent health concerns, NHS 111 online or phone services are the recommended channels.
For those in need of maternity services, direct contact numbers have been provided for the maternity units at Royal Sussex County in Brighton (07917 751742) and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath (07436 040094). This provision has been made due to the ongoing difficulties in reaching the hospitals via regular phone lines.
St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester and Worthing Hospital have also experienced disruptions, although to a lesser extent. These facilities are currently providing support to the affected hospitals and are under increased pressure as a result.
The declaration of a Critical Incident is a strategic measure aimed at enabling hospital staff to prioritize patient needs and seek additional assistance. The overarching goal is to restore IT systems to full functionality. Further updates will be shared as the situation continues to develop.
