People urged to avoid A&E over bank holiday

Patients would likely be seen quicker elsewhere, said the NHS trust

An NHS trust has urged people to "consider their options" before going to the emergency department over the bank holiday weekend, amid expected high demand.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) said anyone who does not have a life-threatening illness or injury should use alternative NHS services, such as their GP, 111, walk-in-centres or pharmacies.

The trust warned anyone arriving at A&E who could be seen elsewhere may be redirected if "medically appropriate".

Alternative services would also likely be able to see patients quicker than the emergency department, it added.

SASH urged people to use 999 or the East Surrey A&E in a "genuine emergency".

People with injuries or who need non-life-threatening care can also receive immediate treatment at Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre (West Sussex) and the Minor Injury Units at Caterham Dene (Surrey) and East Grinstead (West Sussex), it continued.