Plea to choose right NHS service as demand grows

People are being urged to choose the NHS service that best matches their needs as hospitals prepare for increased pressure on emergency care over the winter.

NHS Surrey and Sussex has issued an autumn alert and urged people to know where services are available and how they can get help as the school holidays approach.

Health chiefs said demand on emergency departments remained high, with last month the busiest September on record for A&E services in England, with 2.44 million visits.

Professor Andrew Rhodes said people should still use A&E or call 999 in a serious or life-threatening emergency, but urged residents to consider other services where appropriate.

The joint chief medical officer for 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 he added: "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."

He said: "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."

The NHS said A&E services were for seriously ill or injured people needing emergency care.

For many other health concerns, people may be able to get the care and advice they need through NHS 111, their GP, a pharmacy or an urgent treatment centre.

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