Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) is urging local people to think before going to A&E during the bank holiday weekend.
The forecast is for hot weather this bank holiday weekend and everyone is advised to take care in the sun, protect their skin and stay hydrated.
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.
Anyone who does not have a life threatening illness or injury is asked to make an appointment with their GP. Or, if their GP practice is closed call NHS 111 for free, 24 hours a day.
Michael Wilson CBE, chief executive at SASH who runs East Surrey Hospital, said: “It is important to remember that A&E is for serious emergencies only. Hospitals are very busy places all year round, with A&E staff dealing with life threatening emergencies, like strokes and heart attacks.”
- For more information about using alternative services, such as pharmacists visit Help my NHS eastsurreyhelpmy.nhs.uk
- For advice to help prevent getting ill and self-manage minor illnesses visit NHS Choices https://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx
Alternative NHS services available:
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. Full details of all the walk-in centres in your area can be found on the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust website.
| Caterham Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) | Caterham Dene Hospital Church Road CaterhamCR3 5RA tel. 01883 837500 | 9am – 8pm, every day. For people aged 18 years and over |
| Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) | Crawley Hospital West Green Drive Crawley RH11 7DH tel. 01293 600300 | Open 24 Hours |
| Horsham Minor Injuries Unit | Horsham Hospital Hurst Road Horsham RH12 2DR tel. 01403 227000 Ext 7202 | 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday |
| Emergency Dental Line | 111 | |
| Crawley Health Centre | 14 Haslett Avenue West Town Centre Crawley RH10 1HStel. 01293 600300 ext 4141 | Open every day 8.00 – 11pm |
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
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).
