Campaign urges residents not to put NHS 'under strain' this winter

The local NHS is raising awareness of health services in Brighton and Hove, while urging people not to put NHS services 'under unnecessary strain'.
Campaign to #HelpMyA&E and #HelpMyGP launched in Brighton and Hove todayCampaign to #HelpMyA&E and #HelpMyGP launched in Brighton and Hove today
Campaign to #HelpMyA&E and #HelpMyGP launched in Brighton and Hove today

Brighton and Hove's clinical commissioning group (CCG), said winter is expected to be extremely difficult for the NHS, especially on A&E departments and GP surgeries as they cope with increasing numbers of people seeking treatment.

It said this could potentially be made worse this year by the number of people using these services when they could have been treated more appropriately elsewhere or could have treated themselves at home.

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Nationally, one in four people are reported to go to A&E when they could have been treated elsewhere. Additionally, one in four people who visit their GP with a minor illness could have been treated at home with the help of a pharmacist.

The local NHS has launched the campaign today (November 27) to help people become aware of all the services available, so they can get the right care and free up essential emergency and GP services for those most in need.

The #HelpMyNHS campaign calls on the public to play their part by adopting small behavioural changes to ease pressures on local health and care services, saving them for those in the most need.

It asks people to #HelpMyA&E and #HelpMyGP by: highlighting the alternative services to A&E and when these should be used; and by using of GP appointments properly, taking steps to help prevent getting ill and self-manage minor illnesses, as well as using alternative services, such as pharmacists.

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A dedicated campaign website highlights these alternatives to A&E visits or GP appointments, and is tailored to include listings on services available to the public across Sussex.

Dr David Supple, Brighton GP and chair of NHS Brighton and Hove CCG, said: “The NHS is doing everything it can with the resources it has to prepare for the extra pressures we expect to face this winter, now we are calling the public to action to HelpMyNHS by ensuring they access the right service for their needs at the right time.

“Everyone can play an important role in recognising, treating and managing their own health conditions, reducing the need for an unnecessary GP appointment. The campaign is encouraging people to only go to A&E if they need immediate, emergency care and have symptoms of serious illness or injuries that could be life threatening.

“We have found one of the main reasons services aren’t being used properly is a lack of awareness of the other services outside of GP appointments and A&E when there are fantastic alternatives like Walk in Centres that offer quicker treatment closer to home.”

To find out more, visit at www.sussexhelpmy.nhs.uk