PRINCESS Alexandra Hospital are taking part in planned emergency preparedness exercises with partner emergency services on the following dates and times:

Today (Tuesday 17 March), 5pm to 11pm

Thursday (19 March), 9am to 3pm

These are test exercises only which are designed to ensure that we, alongside other emergency services, remain fully prepared to respond effectively to a major incident.

Essex Fire Service personnel and vehicles will be at the hospital today (Tuesday 17 March) and on Thursday (19 March), staff will be practicing putting on specialist suits and practising putting up specialist tents.

Patient care and all services will continue to operate as normal throughout the exercises.

Members of the public who have questions or concerns are encouraged to speak to a member of staff.