NHS responds to emergency evacuation at Crawley Hospital

On Wednesday, July 9, police cars, ambulances and several fire engines were seen outside Crawley Hospital following suspicions of a chemical leak.

Roughly 120 people were evacuated while investigations were carried out.

At the time West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the substance was a "small leak of a concentrated disinfectant."

A spokesperson for NHS Sussex and Surrey have now released a statement stating: "We can confirm that a small leak of a cleaning product at Crawley Hospital on Wednesday 29 July has been safely resolved and services are operating as normal.

"Part of the hospital was temporarily evacuated as a precaution while West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service assessed and managed the incident, with support from South East Costal Ambulance Service.

"The substance was identified as peracetic acid, a cleaning agent used in endoscopy services. The affected area was ventilated and air quality checks confirmed it was safe for people to return."

NHS Sussex and Surrey said that one person received a precautionary assessment but was discharged at the scene.

Crawley Hospital in West Green Drive, West Sussex, has operated from its present building since 1961.

NHS property services hold the responsibility for Crawley Hospital Site with Sussex Community Truest delivering the Urgent Treatment Centre as well as a number of clinical and inpatient services from the building.

Sussex and Surrey NHS deliver a number of clinical, outpatient and day surgery services from the site.

The spokesperson for NHS Sussex and Surrey said: "We thank staff and emergency service partners for their swift and coordinated response.

"The safety of patients, staff and visitors remains our highest priority."