PEOPLE are being urged to help ease pressure on a hospital accident and emergency department by using alternative services instead.

The Brighton Station walk-in health centre is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

It provides treatment for a range of minor illnesses and injuries, helping to free up urgent care for those most in need this Christmas. The health centre also treats infections and rashes, fractures and cuts, stomach upsets, bruises, minor burns and strains. Winter is expected to be difficult for the NHS across the country.

A&E departments and GP surgeries are expected to be particularly affected as they cope with increasing numbers of people needing help.

Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group chairman David Supple said: “Research shows more than 20 extra people a week are already choosing to help ease pressure on NHS emergency services and GPs by using the service compared to last year.”