This Christmas and New Year, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) are urging people to consider their options before going to the Emergency Department (ED) at East Surrey Hospital.
The Trust has already seen high levels of winter demand since early November and is expecting services to be exceptionally busy over the coming days. Last year, between 22 December 2023 to 2 January 2024, SASH saw 3,770 patients attend its Emergency Department.
Emergency Department’s should always only be for life-threatening emergencies. Those arriving over the Christmas and New Year period with non-urgent minor injuries and illnesses such as coughs, colds, scalds and sprains will be redirected to other NHS services where medically appropriate - including Urgent Treatment Centres where urgent medical care can also be given.
Alternative local NHS services available:
- Caterham MIU: Situated at Caterham Dene Hospital, Church Road, Caterham, CR3 5RA. The MIU will remain open every day* over the festive period from 8am to 8pm and is available for adults and children over the age of five. 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. *Please note, there will be no X-ray service at Caterham Dene MIU on Christmas Day. Anyone with a suspected fracture or broken bone on Christmas Day should call NHS 111 to find the most appropriate service.
- 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).
Dr Ed Cetti, Chief Medical Officer said:
“This Christmas and New Year it’s crucial that we keep our Emergency Department free to deal with life threatening emergencies and urgent help for people who may have become seriously ill with conditions such as a stroke or a heart attack.
“To ensure this care is available for those who need it most, please think carefully before coming to our Emergency Department over the festive season. Instead use other NHS services like NHS 111 online, local pharmacies, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres, who also have a number of experienced medical professionals on site and are likely to be able to see you much faster. Anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should always continue to come forward or call 999.”