People urged to “save emergency services for saving lives”
Our colleagues at Sussex Health and Care have asked us to share the following messaging:
The NHS in Sussex is urging those who need urgent medical care that’s not an emergency to “save emergency services for saving lives” and make sure they use the right services for their needs.
All health services in Sussex are experiencing high levels of demand, and there continues to be a steady rise in people attending emergency departments.
Where can I get information and advice?
That’s why anyone who needs urgent medical support, but does not have a life-threatening illness or injury, should contact NHS111 first by dialling 111 or going online to www.111.nhs.uk.
NHS111 is available 24 hours a day and can provide help and support online or over the phone, including connecting callers to pharmacists and out of hours GPs, as well as helping those in need get to the most appropriate service if they do need to see someone face to face.
Where can I access services?
For those who do need help for urgent care that’s not an emergency, there are alternatives to visiting A&E across Sussex. There are several walk-in and minor injury services and urgent treatment centres available to help with illness and injury which are urgent but not life threatening:
- Brighton Health Centre walk in service, Brighton Station open 8am-8pm every day
- Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, Minor Injury Unit open 8am-8pm every day
- Crowborough Minor Injury Unit open 8am-8pm every day
- Uckfield Minor Injury Unit open 8am-8pm every day
- Lewes Urgent Treatment Centre open 8am-8pm every day
- Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital MIU 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
- Crawley Hospital UTC open 24/7
- Worthing Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre
- St Richard’s Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre
- See the full list of open services.
NHS Sussex Chief Medical Officer, Dr Dinesh Sinha, said: “Health and care organisations in Sussex are working together to maintain patient safety ,and emergency and critical care will be prioritised and will continue to be available for those who need it, and we urge the public to help us by using the right service to meet their needs.”
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Help and support with Health and Care
If you need help or support related to health or care, then please contact our Information & Signposting Service via
0333 101 4007 or enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk
