Think before going to the Emergency Department this bank holiday weekend
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) is urging the public to carefully consider their options before heading to the Emergency Department this bank holiday weekend.
With high demand expected, the Trust is reminding its local communities to only to attend their local Emergency Department if their medical need is serious or life-threatening. Instead, those who need other care or treatment should make use of alternative NHS services including NHS 111, Urgent Treatment Centres, local pharmacies and GP practices, who are also likely to be able to see you quicker than ED during peak periods.
Anyone arriving at the Emergency Department during the bank holiday weekend who does not have an urgent medical need may be redirected to other NHS services, if it's deemed medically appropriate. This will help keep patients safe and ensure the hospital can deliver urgent treatment to those who are seriously ill or have a life-threatening injury or condition.
Alternative local NHS services available:
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, 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 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.
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).
For advice to help prevent getting ill and self-manage minor illnesses visit the NHS website.