An exercise to test emergency responses and procedures at Walsall Manor Hospital is set to take place tomorrow (Wednesday 23 July 2025).

Members of the public are being reassured that such exercises form part of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) programme.

The NHS needs to plan for, and respond to, a wide range of incidents and emergencies that could affect health or patient care. Exercises such as this are a vital way of testing arrangements in place in the event of an emergency or incident.

Tomorrow’s exercise will see a crowd of staff members gathered outside the hospital’s Emergency Department – following a theoretical evacuation from the building. No patients will be involved in the exercise.

Liam Ferris, Head of EPRR, said: “These scenarios prepare staff for what to do in the event of a serious incident whether that’s a cyber-attack, terrorist attack, or environmental issues such as fire or flood – to give but a few examples.

“It means plans are in place to reduce their impact, and it’s important staff have the opportunity to practice their skills and build on their knowledge.”

The exercise will take place between 9am and 12noon and all healthcare services will run as usual throughout.

Liam added: “We would like to thank the public, in advance, for their understanding while this exercise takes place.”