Emergency exercises to be staged at Sussex hospitals

Eastbourne District General Hospital is one of two locations where the exercise is being held

NHS staff in Sussex will take part in a major training exercise, to test their reactions to incidents including chemicals, biological agents or radiation.

It will take place on 18 and 19 September at Eastbourne District General Hospital and the urgent treatment centre at Lewes Victoria Hospital.

Health trusts from across Sussex will be taking part, along with police, firefighters and East Sussex County Council.

Managers said both hospitals will continue to operate as normal, but are warning visitors may be surprised by actors playing the part of patients who are seriously unwell.

James Ramsay, chief medical officer at NHS Sussex, said: “These exercises are vital to ensure that our emergency plans are robust and that we are prepared for any potential major incident that could affect our communities.

“Exercises like this are an important part of our work to keep the public safe, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation.”

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