Critical incident stood down at two Sussex hospitals after IT failure

A critical incident that had been declared at two hospitals in Sussex has been stood down this morning (Monday 15 January).

The Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal hospitals had been affected by an IT failure and problems with phone systems since yesterday evening.

Ambulances were diverted, with patients sent elsewhere. The hospitals, including front-line service, had been facing considerable pressure.

The Trust said it is no longer declaring a critical incident after "good progress was made overnight in restoring IT systems".

Anybody who has a planned appointment today is being told to attend as normal unless they are contacted by hospital staff.

Emergency departments will be open as normal but the Trust says "teams are under additional pressure after the disruption over the weekend".

People who have health problems that are not an emergency or life-threatening are being asked to call 111.

In a statement, the Trust said: "Once again, we would like to say thank you to everyone who has responded so brilliantly – our colleagues in IT and Facilities and Estates, our clinical teams, the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and other NHS Trusts and partners."

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