NHS calls on community to help them meet winter challenges

The NHS in Sussex is calling on residents to remember simple steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as demand for services rises in the region.

The demand for all NHS services across Sussex has risen significantly due to the higher infection rates of COVID-19 in the community in recent weeks. Staff across the NHS are working tirelessly to ensure they continue to provide safe consistent care. Hospitals, community teams, mental health services and GP practices are very busy but remain open to provide care.

You can still travel to medical appointments in and out of Tier 4, and the NHS is  urging you to keep appointments unless you feel unwell or have suspected COVID-19 symptoms.

The pressure will stay on the NHS as long as the infection rates stay high. To protect yourself, family and friends and help the NHS everyone needs to do their bit to keep Sussex safe.

We all need to follow the guidance– to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Remember – Hands, face, space, working from home where you can, and all of the requirements of the Tiers where you live.

The NHS is also calling on anyone in need of healthcare, which is urgent but not an emergency, to use NHS 111 first online at NHS.uk or by calling 111. The 111 service should also be called before attending one the NHS services that patients would usually walk into without an appointment.