As temperatures drop, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) is urging the public to use NHS services wisely this winter and carefully consider their options before heading to the Emergency Department at East Surrey Hospital which is already experiencing high demand.
The Trust is advising the local community to use alternative services such as Urgent Treatment Centres, GP practices, NHS 111, walk-in centres and pharmacies, who can usually provide medical help faster in non-life-threatening emergencies. Those who choose to arrive at the Emergency Department may be redirected to other NHS services, if it's deemed medically appropriate, to help ensure our services are available for those patients who need it most.
Anyone experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury must continue to call 999 or visit the East Surrey Emergency Department.
Alternative local NHS services available:
Caterham MIU (for adults 18 and over): Situated at Caterham Dene Hospital, Church Road, Caterham, CR3 5RA. Operating hours are from 9am to 8pm, seven days a week. This facility, managed by qualified emergency nurse practitioners, offers a convenient alternative to A&E. It provides treatment for various minor injuries including cuts, sprains, fractures, bites, infections, eye problems, sports injuries, burns and scalds. X-ray services are available onsite.
Crawley UTC: Located at Crawley Hospital, West Green Drive, Crawley, RH11 7DH. Open seven days a week from 7.30am to 10pm, this centre handles urgent but non-life-threatening injuries such as sprains, fractures, burns, head injuries and minor eye injuries.
East Grinstead MIU: Located at Queen Victoria Hospital, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3DZ. Open daily from 8am to 8pm. Run by experienced emergency practitioners, specialist nurse and paramedics, this unit caters to minor injuries and ailments in both adults and children over one year old. On-call services are also available for emergency referrals outside regular hours.
NHS 111: Accessible 24/7, providing guidance for urgent medical needs that are not life-threatening, either online or via phone.
Self-care: Minor ailments can often be managed at home or with assistance from local pharmacies.
Pharmacies: Qualified pharmacists can offer advice on various health issues and provide medications for common illnesses. Where GP surgeries are closed, it's recommended that individuals manage common illnesses like coughs, colds and stomach upsets at home whenever possible, with guidance from a pharmacist or NHS 111. Community pharmacies under the pharmacy first service are now equipped to address seven common conditions, such as sinusitis, sore throats and urinary tract infections in women. To locate open pharmacies during the weekend or nearby alternatives, visit the NHS website (find a pharmacy).
For guidance on illness prevention and self-management of minor illnesses, refer to the NHS website.