Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) is urging people to consider their options before going to A&E during the August bank holiday weekend (28-30 August 2021).
A&E is for emergencies only. Anyone who does not have a life-threatening illness or injury is asked to make an appointment with their GP. However with many GP practices being closed this bank holiday please call NHS 111 for free, 24 hours a day. NHS 111 is there for when you need medical help fast, but it is not a life threatening emergency. A trained advisor will ask you a variety of questions to point you towards the most appropriate solution for your medical inquiry.
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. To find ones open in our area please visit here.
Michael Wilson CBE, chief executive at SASH who runs East Surrey Hospital, said: “Hospitals are very busy places all year round and to ensure that our patients continue to get the very best care, please remember to think before going to A&E this weekend. A&E staff are needed to deal with life threatening emergencies and to provide urgent help for people who may have become seriously ill and experienced a stroke or a heart attack.”
- For advice to help prevent getting ill and self-manage minor illnesses visit NHS Choices https://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx