Mark NormanSouth East health correspondent
NHS Sussex
The public is being urged to use the “right service at the right time” when seeking urgent medical care
Residents in Sussex are being urged by the NHS to use the “right service at the right time” when seeking urgent medical care, as the health service faces significant demand due winter pressures and seasonal illness.
People are being encouraged to use NHS 111, Urgent Treatment Centres, walk-in centres and Minor Injury Units for urgent but not life-threatening illnesses and injuries instead of A&E.
A total of 336,324 people were seen by walk-in centres, Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units across the county from November 2024 to November 2025.
Dr Aoife Fordham, an urgent treatment centre doctor, said: “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,” Fordham added.
“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.”
‘Busy winter period’
Most patients attending urgent treatment centres, walk-in centres and minor injury units are assessed, treated and discharged during their visit, with information shared with their GP where appropriate to ensure continuity of care, according to NHS Sussex.
People do not need to be registered with a GP or have a fixed address to use these services, it added.
Fordham added: “Making the right choice really can make all the difference during a busy winter period.
“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.”
Across East Sussex and West Sussex, urgent care services are available in communities including Brighton and Hove, Lewes, Crawley, Crowborough, Uckfield, Horsham, Bognor Regis and East Grinstead, with many services open seven days a week.