A SEPARATE area has been set up at accident and emergency to deal with potential coronavirus cases.

The Royal Sussex County Hospital has set up a dedicated pod to deal with possible cases of the disease.

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Signs direct those possibly contaminated to use the special entrance rather then enter the main A&E department.

A spokesman for Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust said: "In line with national guidance Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust has set up priority coronavirus assessment pods at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

These are in buildings which are separate to the hospitals’ emergency departments and will ensure people who need testing do not come in to A&E.

"The pods will only be used to test people who have been assessed and referred by NHS111. If you have any concerns please contact NHS111 who will give you further advice. Please do not attend A&E.

Our staff are skilled and experienced in treating patients with infectious diseases and colleagues have worked hard to ensure we are prepared and can respond as needed.