NHS Sussex Urges People to Use NHS 111 for Non-Emergency Care Over the Bank Holiday Weekend

The upcoming bank holiday weekend is a critical time for healthcare providers like NHS Sussex as demand on emergency services tends to increase. To ensure urgent care resources are available for those who need them most, Sussex Health & Care is reminding residents to use the NHS 111 telephone and online service for all non-emergency medical concerns. This approach helps to keep emergency departments free for life-threatening situations and ensures you receive timely advice for less urgent health issues.

What Is NHS 111?

NHS 111 is a free, confidential service available 24/7 across England, designed to provide prompt medical advice when you need help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. Whether you are unsure about symptoms, need urgent care out of hours, or want to know where to go for treatment, NHS 111 offers a safe and convenient first point of contact.

Key Features of NHS 111:

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Access via phone or online at 111.nhs.uk
• Provides medical advice, directs you to the most appropriate care
• Can arrange home visits or urgent appointments with local services if needed
• Interpretation services are available for non-English speakers

Why Is NHS Sussex Promoting NHS 111 Over the Bank Holiday?

Bank holidays typically see a surge in demand for urgent and emergency healthcare services, often causing longer wait times in emergency departments. By directing non-emergency cases to NHS 111, NHS Sussex aims to:

• Reduce pressure on local A&E departments and walk-in centres
• Ensure patients get the right care from the right professionals at the right time
• Prevent unnecessary hospital visits and reduce the risk of exposure to infections such as COVID-19
• Provide faster access to telephone triage and advice

When Should You Call NHS 111?

If you or someone you know experiences symptoms that are urgent but not life-threatening, NHS 111 is your best option. Examples include:

• Mild to moderate fevers, coughs or colds
• Minor injuries such as cuts or sprains
• Suspected infections that don’t require emergency care
• Questions about medication or mild allergic reactions
• Guidance on managing chronic conditions during out-of-hours

Remember:

In a real emergency, such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, or loss of consciousness, always call 999 immediately.

Benefits of Using NHS 111 Over the Bank Holiday Weekend

Practical Tips When Using NHS 111

• Have your details ready: personal information, current medications, and symptoms.
• Answer questions clearly and honestly to help staff accurately assess your situation.
• Follow the advice provided closely, whether self-care or attending a local service.
• Use the NHS 111 website for quick symptom checks if you prefer typing over speaking.
• Keep emergency numbers handy for swiftly escalating your care if your condition worsens.

Real-Life Impact: Case Study from Sussex

Last bank holiday, NHS Sussex encouraged more residents to try NHS 111 for non-urgent issues. Over 70% of callers received advice, a prescription, or an appointment without visiting an emergency department. This shift helped reduce waiting times at A&E by 30% and improved patient satisfaction with timely guidance and care coordination.

Additional Sussex Health & Care Services Over the Bank Holiday

While NHS 111 remains the first contact for non-emergency concerns, Sussex Health & Care also offers a range of bank holiday healthcare access points, including urgent treatment centres and pharmacies. Below is a quick reference table for these services:

Conclusion: Keep Sussex Healthy This Bank Holiday

NHS Sussex and Sussex Health & Care encourage all residents to be thoughtful about how and when they access healthcare services during the bank holiday weekend. Using NHS 111 for non-emergency medical support ensures you get the help you need quickly while conserving emergency resources for those in urgent need. Remember, for life-threatening emergencies call 999. For everything else, NHS 111 is your trusted partner in health.

Stay safe, take care, and help keep Sussex’s healthcare services running smoothly this bank holiday!