Raw sewage leaked into hospital chemotherapy unit

Raw sewage and waste water has leaked into the chemotherapy unit a number of times this year

Raw sewage leaked into the chemotherapy unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The sewage leak happened a month ago and has been fixed, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust said.

Earlier this week "dirty water" leaked into the unit but this is not believed to be sewage.

A spokesperson for the trust said the issue was "rapidly resolved" and apologised to "everyone who was affected".

Leaks are believed to affected the nurses office and patient areas in the chemotherapy unit

They added: “Like most ageing buildings, the cancer centre is prone to problems and regularly requires maintenance.

“Sadly, a month ago there was a sewage leak in a staff area – this was rapidly dealt with, but was upsetting for everyone affected and we completed a full safety review afterwards.

"Ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and infection control is essential for our patients, and colleagues.

“Separately, this week there was a water leak from a sink. Again, the issue was rapidly resolved but we apologise to everyone who was affected.”

An artist impression of a new £155m Sussex Cancer Centre in Brighton

Last year people were asked their views on plans for a new £155m Sussex Cancer Centre in Brighton.

The redevelopment is stage two of the hospital’s 3Ts development programme which the trust describes as "a once in a lifetime opportunity for the people of Sussex".