Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) is urging the public to think before going to A&E during the bank holiday weekend.
With a range of local NHS healthcare services available, minor conditions, such as hay fever or sunburn are able to be managed safely and effectively at home or with advice from a pharmacist.
If members of the public don’t have a life threatening illness or injury an appointment should be made with their GP. If their GP practice is closed, they can call NHS 111 for free, 24 hours a day.
Michael Wilson, chief executive at SASH who run East Surrey Hospital, said: “It’s 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.
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 837 512 | 9am – 8pm, seven days a week For people aged 18 years and over |
Crawley urgent treatment centre (UTC) | Crawley Hospital West Green Drive Crawley RH11 7DH tel. 01293 600 420 | Open 24 hours |
Horsham minor injuries unit | Horsham Hospital Hurst Road Horsham RH12 2DR tel. 01403 227 000 x7202 | 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday |
Emergency dental line | tel. 0845 271 2040 | |
Crawley health centre | 14 Haslett Avenue West Town Centre Crawley RH10 1HS tel. 01293 658 800 |
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).