Royal Sussex and Princess Royal Hospitals Battle Major IT Meltdown
A late-night IT disaster triggered a Critical Incident at Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal hospitals, throwing vital services into chaos. The outage crippled phone and IT systems, sparking serious concerns over patient care and forcing emergency plans into action.
Frontline Heroes and NHS Teams Race to Fix Crisis
The response has been swift and relentless. Hospital staff teamed up with external IT experts, working round the clock to bring systems back online. The South East Coast Ambulance Service also stepped up, coordinating with NHS Trusts and partners to stabilise operations and divert ambulances safely.
Emergency Departments: Only for Critical Cases
Although progress is strong, the fallout continues. The public is urged not to visit Emergency Departments for minor issues. Instead, use 111.nhs.uk or dial 111 for non-emergency health advice.
The Critical Incident was declared at 10 PM, forcing patient reroutes and ambulance diversions. Emergency care remains available—but only for life-threatening cases. NHS 111 remains the go-to for urgent but non-critical health concerns.
Maternity Services Hit, Alternative Contacts Provided
Maternity patients at Royal Sussex County (Brighton) and Princess Royal (Haywards Heath) hospitals face phone access issues. Instead, direct maternity unit lines are available:
- Royal Sussex County: 07917 751742
- Princess Royal Hospital: 07436 040094
Meanwhile, St Richard’s Hospital (Chichester) and Worthing Hospital are under pressure but continue supporting the crisis-hit facilities.
What Happens Next?
Declaring a Critical Incident gives staff the green light to prioritise care and bring in extra resources. The ultimate goal: full IT restoration. Stay tuned for updates as this IT nightmare unfolds.
