Got a minor burn from getting the Christmas turkey out of the oven?
Sprained your wrist whilst trying out the new pogo stick you got given as a present?
For all those little mishaps that can happen over the Festive period, help is at hand.
The NHS Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) at the Lewes Victoria, Uckfield and Crowborough hospitals (see below for address and contact details) will be open from 8am to 8pm every day, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
And on New Year’s Eve, the unit at Uckfield will be open until 2am (New Year’s Day morning)
Jayne Boyfield is Managing Director of East Sussex Community Health Service which runs the MIUS.
She says:
"Getting the right care in the right place is better for patients and better for the NHS as it helps us to make the best use of resources.
The Minor Injuries Units can help people with cuts, sprains, minor burns and other less serious injuries, such as eye infections and simple bone fractures.
They are one part of a wide range of NHS services local people can use to get the care and treatment they need."
There are three MIUs in the NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald area at the Lewes Victoria Hospital, Uckfield Community Hospital and Crowborough War Memorial Hospital.
You do not need an appointment - walk in or telephone for advice when the units are open.
Further details are available via:
www.eastsussex.nhs.uk/your-services/your-services-esdw/minor-injury-units/
You can also visit the NHS Choices website, www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on tel 0845 46 47
The NHS in East Sussex is urging local people to choose the right NHS service for what they need.
There is a wide range of NHS services available which can provide help and advice on a host of common problems and ailments and there are a number of things people can do to help themselves.
The NHS’ top tips for getting the right treatment include:
· Stock up at home on common medicines, such as paracetemol, cold and flu remedies and cough medicine, so you are prepared if you fall ill with a cold, cough or flu bug.
· Go and see your local pharmacist who is qualified to give expert advice on a range of issues from sprains to stomach upsets.
· Call NHS Direct on tel 0845 46 47 for expert help and advice. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
· Make use of local walk-in Minor Injuries Units (open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week) at the Lewes Victoria Hospital, Uckfield Community Hospital and Crowborough War Memorial Hospital. You do not need an appointment, you can walk in or get help over the telephone.
· Contact your GP for help and advice
· Only dial 999 for an ambulance in an emergency.
· Only visit hospital accident and emergency departments in an emergency.
