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 and flu, given the impact of the resident doctors’ strikes over the last week, it is expecting services to be exceptionally busy over the coming days.  

Staff will be working around the clock throughout the festive period to deliver care to those who need it most. To support their efforts, please use the Emergency Department only for life-threatening emergencies. Those arriving over the Christmas and New Year period with non-urgent conditions or 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 (UTC) where urgent medical care can also be given. This is to ensure our emergency services are available for those with critical care needs.  

Alternative local NHS services available: 

  • Caterham Minor Injury Units (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 nurses 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:  

“In the wake of resident doctors’ strikes and existing winter pressures it is more important than ever that we keep our Emergency Department available for those facing life-threatening emergencies as we head into this year’s Christmas and New Year period. 

“To make sure we can continue to deliver critical care to those who need it most, please consider the best options for your care need before coming to the Emergency Department. Help us help you this Christmas by utilising NHS 111 online, local pharmacies, minor injury units, and urgent treatment centres who can often provide faster advice and treatment from experienced clinicians. 

“As always, if you or someone around you is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please continue to come forward immediately or call 999.”