LATEST UPDATE: 11.30am – Thursday 7 November 2019

A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said: “Following the suspected chemical incident in Maidstone yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 6 November), Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust can confirm it received three patients.

“Following further assessments all three patients were discharged later that night.”

LATEST UPDATE: 8.30pm – Wednesday 6 November 2019

A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said: “We can confirm Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has received one patient at our Tunbridge Wells site following the suspected chemical incident in Maidstone this afternoon. The patient underwent further assessments and has now been discharged.

“Our hospital sites continue to remain on standby for the possible arrival of other patients who are experiencing breathing difficulties.

“The hazardous materials tents have been taken down as we are not now treating this as a decontamination incident.

“While our Emergency Departments (EDs) are open as normal, we would encourage people to only use our EDs for emergency and life-threatening situations during this period to help us focus our resources on those who may need it most.”

5.50pm – Wednesday 6 November 2019

A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said: “Our hospital sites are currently preparing for the arrival of a number of patients who are experiencing breathing difficulties following a suspected chemical incident in Maidstone.

“As a precautionary measure a hazardous materials tent has been erected outside the emergency department to help us manage those patients.

“While our Emergency Departments (EDs) are open as normal, we would encourage people to only use our EDs for emergency and life-threatening situations during this period to help us focus our resources on those who need it most.”