Day: August 3, 2019

With hundreds of thousands of people set to travel to the city for Pride weekend from August 2-4, the local NHS is encouraging revellers to use alternatives to A&E for urgent care when it’s not an emergency.

BRIGHTON Pride is the city’s biggest festival that sees local residents and visitors flocking onto the streets to enjoy the colourful celebrations. Emergency services will be working hard to provide care to those who need it most. For visitors with an urgent, non-emergency healthcare need there are alternative appropriate services available.

The Walk in Centre located minutes away from Brighton train station is open from 8am to 2am on Saturday and Sunday (August 3-4). Anyone can visit Brighton Station Health Centre for treatment. There is no need to be a registered patient or to make an appointment to use the Walk in Centre and it offers quick treatment at a convenient location for Pride revellers.

Treatment is available for:

♦ Minor infections and rashes,

♦ Stomach upsets,

♦ Superficial cuts and bruises,

♦ Minor burns

♦ Strains

NHS111 is available 24/7 and offers advice and guidance for patients experiencing non-emergency urgent healthcare needs and can advise on local NHS services, connect the caller to medical professionals, arrange appointments and offer self-care advice.

A pharmacist can also help, offering treatment advice and recommend remedies, and give guidance on giving medicines to children. No appointment necessary to see a local pharmacist and most have private consultation areas.

Dr David Supple, Clinical Chair at NHS Brighton and Hove CCG, said: “We welcome everyone to our diverse city and are proud to support Pride 2019.

“Pride offers a fantastic day out, but if you do become unwell and are not familiar with the city, there’s lots of urgent care available to you; pharmacies will be open late all over the city, the Brighton Station walk in clinic is open extended hours and you can also speak with NHS111 by phone. Stay safe and have a great Pride weekend!”  

Alternatives to A&E for urgent care when it’s not an emergency include www.nhs.uk, which is available to check symptoms online around the clock.

Residents also benefit from easier access to evening and weekend appointments, available at GPs across the city. The service sees GP practices working together to offer patients appointments at more convenient times when they call their local practice.

Patients can make an appointment between 6.30pm to 8.30pm at night in the week and from 10am to 4pm on a Saturday and Sunday by calling their practice.