PATIENTS who require urgent non-emergency care this bank holiday weekend are being urged to choose the right service to free up space for those most in need.

NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in Sussex are asking patients to use the best service to meet their own needs, to enable hospital A and E departments to cater for emergencies.

Dr Elizabeth Gill, chief Medical Officer for the Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups, is keen to emphasise patients should always seek help if they need it.

She said: “It’s important to remember that if you need medical help, the NHS is here for you.”

Patients who need a face-to-face appointment with a health professional are being asked to call NHS 111 first, who will help direct them to the most appropriate service for treatment.

The 111 service, by phone or online at nhs.uk, is available at all hours of every day and offers guidance for patients experiencing non-emergency, urgent healthcare needs.

The service can advise on NHS services and connect patients to a medical professional, arrange appointments and offer self-care advice.

For urgent care, there are a number of alternative services to A and E which patients should be aware of across Sussex.

In Brighton and Hove, anyone who suffers any minor illnesses and injuries this summer can use the Brighton Station Health Centre.

Patients can walk in for treatment or call the service first to arrange a telephone triage with a clinician on 0333 321 0946.

In East Sussex, the Minor Injury Units (MIU) at Crowborough and Uckfield and will be operating as usual from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

The MIU treats acute limb injuries such as fractures, wounds, sprains and strains.

The Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Lewes is also there to treat most injuries or illnesses which are urgent but not life-threatening and will be operating as usual over the bank holiday weekend, from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

In West Sussex, the Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) also treats most injuries or illnesses which are urgent but not life threatening, and will be operating as usual over the bank holiday weekend, 24 hours a day.

The QVH Minor Injuries Unit in East Grinstead is open 8am to 8pm daily, run by emergency practitioners who are able to see, diagnose and treat a wide range of minor injuries and ailments for both adults and children over one year old.

The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Bognor War Memorial Hospital is open from 9am to 5pm over the bank holiday weekend, and is there for people who have a minor injury.

Conditions appropriate to be treated include acute limb injuries such as fractures, wounds, sprains and strains.

Brighton and Hove CCG said residents can also benefit from more evening and weekend GP and nurse appointments, by calling their GP or NHS 111.

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

In addition, pharmacists can offer treatment advice, recommend remedies and give guidance on medicines for children for issues such as colds, minor cuts, bites and rashes.

No appointment is necessary to see a pharmacist and most have private consultation areas.

Check pharmacy bank holiday opening times at www.england.nhs.uk.