I will keep pressing the statutory authorities on this as clearly we need to know what the gas was, not least to prevent it happening again—Stephen Lloyd, MP Eastbourne, 28 August 2017
I’ve just received an update from the DGH A&E department re the noxious cloud which swept across Birling Gap, parts of Eastbourne and down, apparently, as far as Bexhill yesterday.
The DGH Senior nurse and an A&E consultant told me the Emergency team dealt very effectively with the situation – 140 or so people with eyes streaming and clearly suffering the consequences of some sort of wind-borne cloud turning up at Eastbourne’s A&E was obviously a challenge.
Initially they were told to treat it as a full decontamination issue, so all the staff had to go through this and then the patients, which was obviously both difficult and worrying for all concerned. However, midway through it became clear this was no longer necessary, and A&E staff were able to see those who remained without having to process through decontamination. The clinicians confirmed to me there appeared to be no after-effects after washing the eyes with cold water, and the respiratory itching soon disappeared. Thankfully!
They also confirmed that other bodies were working on identifying what the make up of the chemical haze was, and how it was created in the first place.
I will keep pressing the statutory authorities on this as clearly we need to know what the gas was, not least to prevent it happening again and, if necessary, holding someone or some entity responsible for its release. Obviously this could have been far worse and I think serves as a warning which must not be ignored.
Finally I’d like to thank all the staff at our Eastbourne A&E for responding so effectively to the many additional patients who suddenly turned up to their doorstep, and for dealing with the patients natural concerns effectively. And to the Head Nurse and Doctor who briefed me this afternoon. Equally to all those others who responded so quickly on Sunday; the Fire Service, Coastguards, Police and our very own local RNLI. Thank you.
Please see my interview with Eastbourne Buzz.
