Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) is urging people to consider their options before going to the Emergency Department (A&E) this bank holiday weekend (23 – 25 August 2025) when we are expecting demand for our services to be high.
Anyone who does not have a life-threatening illness or injury is asked to use alternative NHS services including GP practices, NHS 111, walk-in-centres and pharmacies.
For injuries and non-life-threatening care people can also receive immediate care at Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre and the Minor Injury Units at Caterham Dene and East Grinstead.
These alternative services are also likely to be able to give advice or see you quicker than A&E during peak periods.
The Trust has warned that people arriving at ED over the bank holiday weekend who could be seen elsewhere, may be redirected to other NHS services or pharmacies if medically appropriate.
People should only use 999 or East Surrey emergency department in a genuine emergency – such as if you are seriously ill or experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
Alternative NHS services:
- 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.
- NHS 111 – this is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and offers further advice for patients with urgent, but not life threatening, medical needs. You can either seek immediate advice at NHS online or phone 111 to speak to a trained advisor who will point you towards the most appropriate solution for your medical inquiry.
- 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 a wide range of health issues and minor conditions, as well as medication to treat headaches, an upset stomach and other common illnesses including coughs, eye infections, extreme hay fever and rashes. To find ones open in your area please visit here.
Patients who need medical advice or non-life-threatening care can also visit the local Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) and Minor Injury Units (MIU). These are:
- Caterham MIU – Situated at Caterham Dene Hospital, Church Road, Caterham, CR3 5RA. The MIU is open every day 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.
- Crawley UTC – Located at Crawley Hospital, West Green Drive, Crawley, RH11 7DH. Open seven days a week from 7.30am to 10pm. UTCs treat most injuries that are urgent but not life threatening. For example, sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings.
- 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 nurse 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.
For advice to help prevent getting ill and self-manage minor illnesses visit the NHS website.