The NHS in Sussex is reminding everyone to use the right health services for their needs during the Easter Holidays.
They’re trying to keep emergency rooms open for the most seriously ill patients.
Health bosses say that if you have a non-life-threatening health issue, other options, including urgent treatment centres or community pharmacies, are available to help.
Gemma and her daughter Imogen recently visited Crawley UTC after Imogen injured her elbow during a football match.
“We’ve been here a few times in the past and we find it easy to use and very friendly. The waiting times are shorter, and A&E is obviously for much more severe problems,” Gemma said. “It’s nice and local for us, and it makes sure A&E is for the more serious incidents.”
Most patients attending a UTC or MIU are assessed, treated, and discharged during their visit. Services are staffed by experienced clinicians, with treatment summaries shared with the patient’s GP to ensure continuity of care.
Dr James Ramsay, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Sussex, said: “Our emergency services are here to save lives, and so for urgent issues that aren’t life-threatening, we’re urging people to consider the alternatives.
“Using services like pharmacies, NHS 111, and Urgent Treatment Centres helps people get the care they need quickly, and ensures A&E teams can focus on the most serious cases.”
Many of these services are open throughout the bank holiday weekend, including community pharmacies. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can now treat a range of common conditions without the need to see a GP.
NHS 111 is available 24/7 online or by phone to help people get the right care as quickly as possible.
NHS Sussex is also reminding people to order any repeat prescriptions in advance of the bank holiday, and to practise good hygiene to help prevent the spread of illnesses like norovirus. Those with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea should stay home and avoid contact with others for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
For more information on local health services or self-care advice, visit the NHS website or call NHS 111.
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