At Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH), we are keen to ensure that our staff in the emergency department (ED) are able to attend quickly to the sickest patients that require our care. We are therefore encouraging people to consider their options before coming to A&E (ED), in particular over the May bank holiday weekend (30 April - 2 May 2022) when we are expecting demand for our services to be high.
With a range of local NHS healthcare services available, minor conditions, such as hay fever or sunburn can be managed safely and effectively at home or with advice from a pharmacist. Get advice and treatments for a range of symptoms like pain, eye infections and rashes at a pharmacy. To find ones open in our area please visit here.
A&E is for emergencies only. Anyone who needs medical support over the Easter weekend but does not have a life-threatening illness or injury, is encouraged to contact NHS111 by dialling 111 or going online to www.
Jane Dickson, chief of nursing and midwifery at SASH, said:
"We continue to be extremely busy and challenged. Please think before going to the emergency department this bank holiday weekend. Capacity in the emergency department is needed to deal with life threatening emergencies and to provide urgent help for people who may have become seriously ill with conditions such as a stroke or a heart attack. Please help us help those who most need us.”
The Urgent Treatment Centre at Crawley Hospital is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year and can treat most injuries or illnesses that are not life threatening, including chest infections, sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries.
Alternative NHS services:
Walk-in centre – with no appointment necessary your local walk-in centre is managed by doctors and nurses who are available to deal with minor illnesses and injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains and suspected breaks.
NHS 111 – NHS 111 is a free phone service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It offers a one-stop number for patients with urgent, but not life-threatening symptoms. It is also available online 24 hours a day at www.
Self-care – people suffering from minor ailments should treat themselves at home or visit their local pharmacy
Pharmacies – your local pharmacist is qualified to offer advice on health issues and medication as well as treat headaches, an upset stomach and other common illnesses
GP out-of-hours service – if you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, call NHS 111 (dial 111).
For advice to help prevent getting ill and self-manage minor illnesses visit https://