Getting the right care in the right place is better for patients and better for the NHS as it helps to make the best use of resources.
That’s the message for people in East Sussex as we approach the winter period, the time of year when local health services are at their busiest.
Diana Grice, Director of Public Health at NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, said:
"There are lots of different ways people can access a wide range of NHS services and make sure they get the treatment they need, when they need it, at a place that is convenient for them.
For example, if you have a minor injury, such as a mild burn, you can get treated more quickly at a local Minor Injuries Unit or Walk In Centre, rather than going to a hospital Accident & Emergency Department where there are likely to be much more serious and urgent cases to be dealt with first.
Encouraging people to use the most appropriate service for their need is good for patients and good for the NHS as it means that we can make the most of what we have."
Key advice and information:
- Minor ailments such as upset stomachs, headaches, sore throats and coughs can all be treated at home with a well stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest
- It is important to remember that you can also get expert advice from your local pharmacy.
- You can go online to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on tel 0845 4647.
NHS Direct is open 24 hours a day and can give you help and advice, as well as opening times for all out-of-hours NHS services and local pharmacies.
- Your local GP surgery is the place to go for general medical advice, examinations and prescriptions for illnesses you just cannot shake off.
- There are NHS Walk-in Centres at Eastbourne Train Station and Station Plaza Health Centre in the centre of Hastings.
Both centres are open from 8am to 8pm, seven days week, allowing anyone to see a GP or nurse.
- The Minor Injuries Units at Lewes, Uckfield and Crowborough Hospitals have the same opening hours as the Walk-in Centres and can treat minor injuries, such as cuts which cannot be treated at home.
- Call 999 for emergencies such as loss of consciousness, bad chest pain, serious accidents or loss of a lot of blood.
- If you or someone else suddenly gets very ill or has a serious accident you can go to your nearest Accident & Emergency Department
