The Royal Sussex Hospital is currently on black alert as it does not have enough beds to meet a surge in demand on its A&E department.
The hospital is now working to increase the number of patients being discharged to free up beds for people in more urgent need – and speed up treatment times in A&E.
Hospital bosses say patients are now having to wait longer than they’d like as a result of the extra pressure, although they are seen for an intial assessment within 20 minutes and regular monitored.
Sherree Fagge, chief nurse, said: “The staff response has been superb, including staff from other areas of the hospital who have come to join the emergency department teams. We are confident that we are keeping patients safe, but it is a very tough environment for staff to work in at the moment.
“We ask the public to use A&E appropriately and to use the many alternative services available if they do not require emergency treatment.”
