People urged to use the right service going into the weekend
Residents across Surrey and Sussex are being urged to know where to go to get NHS help and support over the coming days.
NHS services, particularly emergency departments, are very busy - but there is a wide range of services available for same day care and urgent help and support.
Emergency departments should be for people requiring life-saving help.
Health leaders are reminding people as we go into the weekend to know all of the services available so you can access the right service for the care you may need first time.
If you need same day NHS care, there is:
- Urgent treatment centres and minor injury units - these services can treat illnesses and injuries urgently, including suspected fractures and broken bones, cuts, and minor ear and eye injuries;
- NHS 111 - When you, or your family, need urgent health advice but it’s not an emergency or if you’re not sure where to go, NHS 111 can help with urgent health advice around the clock.
- Your GP practice - for ongoing health concerns and support for ongoing health conditions
- Pharmacy - as qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses.
As dedicated NHS teams work hard to support people who need their help, organisations are also managing the global Microsoft issue.
Local NHS services are enacting long-standing measures to manage IT outages and ensure critical services and appointments can continue for patients today - including using other IT systems or paper records where possible.
Patients should continue to use 999 in an emergency, and otherwise use 111, 111 online, or local services, and come forward for appointments unless told otherwise.