Patients are being diverted away from A&E at the Royal Sussex County Hospital due to a computer systems failure.
The hospital in Brighton started having issues yesterday evening.
The computer error is believed to have also affected the Princess Royal in Haywards Heath, meaning ambulances have been diverting to Worthing and Redhill.
The Royal Sussex said the incident could have a “significant impact” on patients and staff.
It is believed the IT error means medical staff are unable to look at medical records.
The Argus can reveal that the hospital declared a critical incident because of the computer systems failure.
There was a problem in the hospital’s server room.
A spokesman for the hospital said: “We are currently experiencing difficulties with a series of clinical and communications systems across the trust, including hospital phone lines.
“As a result, from Saturday evening ambulances have been diverted away from Royal Sussex County Hospital.
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“Staff are working to contingency plans to support the delivery of safe and appropriate care. We ask all patients to continue to choose services carefully and appropriately – please support our staff by only dialling 999 if you face a medical emergency.
“We fully appreciate that this situation may have a significant impact not only on our patients and their families and friends but also on staff working extremely hard in both the ambulance service and in neighbouring hospitals. The support and co-operation of everyone involved is hugely appreciated.
“We are of course seeking to resolve the problems as quickly as possible and will provide updates as we can.”
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called, although the error is believed to be an overheating issue rather than a fire.
A spokeswoman for the fire service said:
“We were called at 4.45pm to reports of a fire in Eastern Road.
"Crews from Preston Circus and Roedean attended. There was no fire but overheating caused by overheated equipment.
"Crews assisted with ventilation and left the scene at 6.29pm."
The hospital was asked for further comment.
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