Urgent care that’s not an emergency this bank holiday

The local NHS is urging residents in East Sussex who need urgent care that’s not an emergency this May bank holiday to choose the right service to meet their needs, freeing up hospital emergency departments to treat those in most need.

Dr Elizabeth Gill, Chief Medical Officer for the Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “It’s important to remember that if you need medical help the NHS is here for you.”

NHS111

Patients needing a face to face appointment with a health professional are being asked to call NHS 111 first, who will help direct people to the most appropriate service for treatment.

NHS 111 by phone or online at nhs.uk, available 24/7 and offers advice and guidance for patients experiencing non-emergency, urgent healthcare needs.

NHS 111 can advise on local NHS services, connect patients to a medical professional, arrange appointments and offer self-care advice.

If you’re ever unsure whether you need to go to A&E, call NHS 111 first.

NHS Urgent Care alternatives to A&E in East Sussex

The Minor Injury Units (MIU) Crowborough and Uckfield and will be operating as usual from 08:00hrs to 20:00hrs, 7 days per week.

The Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Lewes is there for you to treat most injuries or illnesses that are urgent but not life threatening and will be operating as usual over the bank holiday weekend from 08:00hrs to 20:00hrs, 7 days per week.

Local pharmacies

A pharmacist can also help, offering treatment advice, recommend remedies and give guidance on giving medicines to children for issues such as colds minor cuts, bites, rashes.

No appointment is necessary to see a local pharmacist and most have private consultation areas. Check local pharmacy bank holiday opening hours online.

Improved GP access

Residents can also benefit from more evening and weekend GP and nurse appointments, by calling their GP or NHS111.

Patients can make an appointment between 6.30pm and 8.30pm during the week and from 10am to 4pm on a Saturday or Sunday by calling their practice.