Worthing Hospital hit by flooding

At their peak, the floodwaters reached 30cm in height as a month’s rain fell in just 12 hours, overwhelming the local drainage system.

All patients on the hospital’s wards “remained safe and dry throughout” but, as a precaution, emergencies were diverted to Brighton and Chichester for several hours overnight, the trust said.

Southern Water worked with fire services and trust staff through the night to clear the flooded areas. The main areas affected were the hospital’s postgraduate medical centre, library, doctors’ mess and the basements of the north and east wings.

The trust said: “Contingency plans have been implemented to ensure key services in the affected areas continue to operate.

“Additional flood defences have been put in place in anticipation of further heavy rainfall forecast for this afternoon.”

Jeannie Baumann, director of clinical services, women and children’s health, added: “Our staff are still working hard to clear the affected areas but the hospital continues to operate normally.”