SUSSEX’S first dedicated mental health emergency department could open at Eastbourne District General Hospital next year.
The proposed walk-in service would operate around the clock, providing specialist support for people experiencing a mental health crisis in a more therapeutic environment than a traditional accident and emergency department.
It would be jointly delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Southdown, a not-for-profit housing and support provider.
Mental health professionals and peer support workers would be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The new department is planned for part of the existing Department of Psychiatry at Eastbourne DGH, which is operated by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Existing mental health services currently based in the building are due to move to the new Combe Valley Hospital in Bexhill-on-Sea, allowing part of the Eastbourne site to be converted for its new purpose.
The project remains subject to funding approval from NHS England. If approved, conversion work is expected to begin later this year, with the department anticipated to open in late summer 2027.
NHS England announced plans last year to establish dedicated mental health emergency departments across the country as part of efforts to ease pressure on acute hospitals and provide a more appropriate setting for people in crisis.
Further departments are planned elsewhere in Sussex, including at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
Dr Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a much-needed service to meeting the increasing mental health need in our communities.
“If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, a busy, noisy A&E department can exacerbate feelings of agitation and distress. The new facility in Eastbourne will offer a calmer, more therapeutic environment where people can access specialist help from mental health professionals, without long waiting times.”
Matt Gough, Chief Operating Officer for Southdown, said: “We are delighted to be part of this innovative new mental health emergency service, which builds on the success of the Staying Well service provided across Sussex. We are incredibly proud to be a partner in Staying Well, delivering vital mental health crisis support in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings, alongside services in Worthing and Crawley.
“This new service represents an important step forward in ensuring people experiencing a mental health crisis can access the right support, at the right time, in the right place. Importantly, the service will offer a welcoming alternative to A&E for people experiencing mental health distress, helping more individuals receive compassionate, person-centred support while reducing pressure on acute services.”
NHS England has also approved the development of three community mental health centres in Sussex, which are planned for 2028. The new community mental health centres, which are being rolled out across England, will bring together mental health and specialist teams under one roof, making it easier for people to get the right support before problems escalate.
The development of mental health emergency departments and community mental health centres are part of a wider programme to transform mental health urgent and emergency care services in Sussex to ensure that people can access timely and appropriate help and to reduce the current pressure on A&E, the police, ambulance and other services.
