Think before going to A&E during the bank holiday weekend

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.

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).