Sussex residents urged to use the right NHS services as hospitals face growing winter pressure

People across Sussex are being urged to choose the most appropriate NHS service for their healthcare needs as hospitals prepare for increasing pressure on emergency departments this winter.

Health officials are reminding residents that Accident and Emergency departments should be used for serious illnesses and injuries, while other NHS services may provide quicker and more appropriate treatment for less urgent conditions.

The advice comes as new figures reveal that September was the busiest September on record for A&E departments across England, with 2.44 million attendances.

Across major hospitals in Sussex and neighbouring Surrey, a combined 65,761 attendances were recorded at Type 1 A&E departments during September, equivalent to approximately 2,190 patients every day.

The NHS says the continued high demand means some patients are experiencing longer waiting times, with emergency departments prioritising those who are most seriously ill or injured.

As the October half-term approaches, healthcare leaders are encouraging families across Sussex to familiarise themselves with the different NHS services available and where they can receive treatment.

For many common illnesses and minor injuries, patients may be able to receive help through their GP, a community pharmacy, NHS 111 or an urgent treatment centre without needing to attend A&E.

Professor Andrew Rhodes, Joint Chief Medical Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board, said:

“If you have a serious or life-threatening emergency, A&E is absolutely the right place to be, and people should never delay seeking emergency help when they need it.

“But A&E isn't always the service that can provide the most appropriate care. There is a range of NHS support available in our communities, and choosing the right service could mean you receive the help you need without having to attend an emergency department.

“If you're unsure what to do, NHS 111 can help direct you to the right local service. Community pharmacists and GP practices can provide help for many conditions, while minor injury units and urgent treatment centres can assess and treat a range of minor illnesses and injuries.

“With demand already high as we head towards winter, we're asking everyone to help us help you. Please use the service that best matches your healthcare need. It helps you get the most appropriate care and means our emergency departments can concentrate on patients who need them most.”

The NHS is reminding Sussex residents that community pharmacists can offer advice and treatment for a range of common conditions, while GP practices remain available for health concerns requiring medical assessment.

Urgent treatment centres and minor injury units can also provide care for certain injuries and illnesses that need attention but are not life-threatening.

Anyone unsure about which service to use can contact NHS 111 online or by telephone for guidance.

Health officials stress that people experiencing a life-threatening emergency should continue to call 999 or attend A&E without delay.

With winter traditionally bringing increased demand for NHS services, the message to residents across East and West Sussex is to seek medical help when needed, while choosing the service best suited to their condition.

Know where to get help

NHS 111
If you need help with an urgent healthcare need and aren't sure where to go, NHS 111 can direct you towards an appropriate local service.

Community pharmacy
Your local pharmacy can provide advice and support for a range of common health conditions and medicines-related concerns.

Your GP practice
For health problems where you need advice, assessment or ongoing care from primary care.

Minor Injury Units and Urgent treatment centres
For a range of minor illnesses and injuries that need urgent attention but are not life-threatening.

A&E / 999
For serious or life-threatening emergencies. If it is an emergency, people should not hesitate to seek emergency help.

For more information, including opening times, visit Local services | ICB - Surrey and Sussex

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