Sussex A&E departments still experiencing "significant" winter demand
The NHS has launched a fresh appeal urging us to pick the right service for our needs
Emergency departments across Sussex are still experiencing "significant" pressure over winter bugs, the NHS says.
The health service has released a renewed appeal to make sure people are picking the right service for their needs.
It includes using minor treatment units and urgent treatment or walk-in centres for non-emergencies, or calling 111 if you're unsure where to go.
It comes 336,324 people were seen by walk-in centres, Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units across Sussex between November 2024 to November 2025.
Dr Aoife Fordham, an urgent treatment centre doctor at the Urgent Treatment Centre in Lewes Victoria Hospital, said:
“We see huge demand during the winter months, and a lot of people come to A&E when they would be seen more quickly somewhere else.
“Urgent Treatment Centres are ready to deal with things like sprains and strains, suspected broken bones, cuts, burns, infections and high temperatures, and if you come to the right place, you are often in and out far quicker than waiting in A&E with something that isn’t life-threatening.
She added that "making the right choice can make all the difference" to staff:
“Using NHS 111 can mean you get an arrival time and we know you are coming, and I would encourage people to familiarise themselves with the urgent care services near them so they feel confident about using the right service at the right time.”