With the Festive period almost upon us, the NHS in East Sussex is urging local people to make the right choice of service if they feel unwell, especially over Christmas and the New Year when normal opening hours do not always apply.
There are a host of NHS services you can get help and advice from, both face to face and over the phone.
Adverts have appeared in local newspapers with full details of the services people can use.
Special posters have also been distributed to local GP surgeries and pharmacies to help raise awareness amongst patients and the public.
You can also visit the following NHS websites and follow the link from the main homepage:
NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald -
www.esdw.nhs.uk
NHS Hastings and Rother -
www.hastingsandrother.nhs.uk
Dr Diana Grice, Director of Public Health for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, says:
"Winter is a very busy time for the NHS so it is important that people choose the right NHS service to get help from.
It's a good idea to keep some every-day medicines and first-aid materials at home so you can treat common everyday ailments like colds and small cuts.
Your local pharmacist can offer a range of help and advice and you can check your local pharmacy window or our websites for details of Christmas and New Year opening hours.
For expert health advice and information, 24 hours a day, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk"
In Eastbourne, the new Eastbourne Station Health Centre at the main train station is open from 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week including Bank Holidays.
Appointments with a GP or nurse are available to everyone, you don’t have to be registered as a patient.
There are also Minor Injuries Units at the Lewes Victoria Hospital, Uckfield Community Hospital, and Crowborough War Memorial Hospital.
For advice and information on swine flu, you can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on:
Information tel 0800 1 513 513
Treatment tel 0800 1 513 100
www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
The adverts in local papers and the posters in GP surgeries and pharmacies also have details on:
- The Sussex Mental Healthline, which offers information and support on mental health issues
- How to get emergency contraception
- Emergency dental care
- PLUS advice on when you should dial 999 for an ambulance or visit Accident & Emergency at the main hospitals serving East Sussex
