Eastbourne MP calls for investment at hospital following power outage

The East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which operates the hospital, said the DGH had been affected with a power outage which had impacted ‘a number’ of its services on January 6.

The Eastbourne Midwifery Unit (EMU) also had to close temporarily.

Two planned power outages were conducted the following day by the Trust to ‘ensure the stability of its power supply going forward’.

Mr Babarinde said investment was needed at the hospital to keep it ‘safe, resilient and fit for purpose’.

He said: “A power outage at Eastbourne District General Hospital (DGH) last week led to the temporary closure of some services, like the Midwifery Unit.

“While patient safety must always come first, this incident once again exposes the very real risks posed by outdated infrastructure.

“Parts of our hospital are now over fifty years old. As a result, ageing infrastructure, especially power and electrical systems, is posing growing challenges to the delivery of safe and effective care.

“Ageing buildings and unreliable infrastructure should not be allowed to undermine the outstanding work of our amazing Doctors, Nurses and wider NHS staff.

“This was starkly clear during my recent visit to the hospital, where I saw for myself the visible decline.

“I’m glad that £8.5 million has been pledged by the Government to contribute towards maintenance costs, but this is only a drop in the ocean compared to what is truly needed to keep our hospital safe, resilient and fit for purpose.

“Eastbourne DGH is not currently scheduled for rebuilding until 2041. That is simply too long to wait.

"I have spoken directly with the CEO of our local NHS Trust to seek assurances and clarity on how immediate risks are being managed.

"I will also be raising the condition of hospital buildings and infrastructure again with Ministers at the next opportunity in Parliament.”

The East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has been contacted for comment.