Eastbourne hospital social club closes after 35 years

Eastbourne Hospital Staff’s Sports and Social Club in Kings Drive announced it will be closing with immediate effect after it says it was unable to implement the necessary coronavirus safety guidelines.

It said in a statement, “It is with regret that, following the partial lifting of lockdown restrictions, the Eastbourne Hospitals Staff Sports & Social Club has been unable to assure East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust the club can fully implement the necessary Government covid-19 guidelines for reopening of the facility.

“The decision has therefore been reluctantly taken to permanently close the facility with immediate effect.

“The committee would like to thank members for their support over the last 35 years.”

The club – which has a function room, outdoor swimming pool, gym and squash court – confirmed its members’ subscriptions would cease from July.

A spokesperson for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said, “The Social Club is run independently of the Trust and the Committee took the difficult decision to close as they do not have sufficient resources to enable them to meet the Covid-19 secure guidance for the hospitality sector.

“This is disappointing but keeping staff and customers as safe as possible has to be the priority.”

Members reacted with shock and sadness to the news on social media, with one writing, “Gutted is an understatement”.

Another person wrote, “That is such a shame, well done to everybody who kept the club going, was an amazing place.”

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