A HOSPITAL boss says there is a “positive relationship” between clinical staff and trust management after a letter was sent by consultants to their chief executive about an “extremely unsafe situation” at the hospital.

The letter from doctors at the Royal Sussex County Hospital said some surgery should be diverted elsewhere and that nurses are suffering with post-traumatic stress and depression, according to reports.

Dr Rob Haigh, medical director at University Hospitals Sussex, which manages Brighton’s Royal Sussex, said patient safety is their “number one priority”.

The Argus: Brighton, Sussex University Hospitals

Dr Haigh said: “Patient safety is always our number one priority. Patients waiting for surgery are reviewed on a daily basis by senior clinicians to ensure the most urgent are seen first.

“We have also redeployed staff from a range of areas to support the most pressurised areas. We recognise that, in keeping with all Trusts across the country, this means some patients regrettably having to wait longer and some planned procedures being postponed.”

The document described “failing” management that is “dysfunctional, uncaring and incompetent”.

Dr Haigh added that they will continue to listen and act upon any staff concerns raised and help ease the “unprecedented pressures” faced by staff since the pandemic.

He said: “Throughout these challenging times there has continued to be a positive relationship between clinical staff and Trust management.

The Argus: Dr Haigh said there is a "positive relationship" between management and clinical staff.Dr Haigh said there is a "positive relationship" between management and clinical staff.

“We will continue to meet with our staff to listen and act upon any concerns raised as well as looking at ways we can support staff and help ease the unprecedented pressures our hard working teams have been facing since the pandemic began.

“The last 18 months have been incredibly tough. NHS workforce shortages have been widely documented across the country and we have recruited more staff including a recent successful international recruitment drive which has delivered more than 100 new nurses. We continue to work together to deliver the best possible care for our patients”.