6 August 2026
Plans are underway to establish the first mental health emergency department in Sussex, which will provide 24/7 support for people experiencing a mental health crisis, offering a therapeutic alternative to a traditional A&Es.
Co-delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Southdown, a not-for-profit support and housing provider, the new walk-in service will offer round-the-clock support from mental health professionals and peer support workers.
The new mental health emergency department will be located in part of the Department of Psychiatry run by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and located at Eastbourne District General Hospital (part of East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust).
Subject to funding approval from NHS England, work to convert part of the existing building into a 24/7 mental health emergency department is expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated opening date of late summer 2027. The existing mental health services at the Department of Psychiatry, which are delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, are moving to the new Combe Valley Hospital in Bexhill-on-Sea.
Last year, NHS England announced plans to establish mental health emergency departments across the country to help relieve the pressure on the acute hospitals. In addition to Eastbourne, other locations in Sussex will include Brighton, at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and either Chichester or Worthing in West Sussex on the site of one of the acute hospitals.
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.
