NHS Surrey Sussex: Use Right Service This Winter
A&E Under Pressure: What Local Residents Need to Know
Emergency departments across Surrey and Sussex are facing their busiest period in years as autumn transitions into winter. September saw record-breaking numbers, with nearly 2.44 million A&E visits nationwide—a stark reminder that our local hospitals in Guildford, Woking, Dorking, and surrounding areas are stretched to capacity. NHS Surrey and Sussex is now launching an autumn alert to help manage the surge in demand heading into the colder months. Professor Andrew Rhodes, joint chief medical officer for the Integrated Care Board, emphasises that while A&E remains essential for genuine emergencies, many people are arriving with conditions that could be treated elsewhere more efficiently. For residents across East Horsley, Horsley, and other local communities, understanding which service suits your health need isn’t just helpful—it’s vital to ensuring you receive prompt, appropriate care. The message is clear: A&E saves lives for the seriously ill and injured, but when it’s overcrowded with minor ailments, it delays treatment for those facing life-threatening conditions. This winter, your choice of NHS service directly impacts your own healthcare experience and that of your neighbours.
Where to Go Instead: Your Local Healthcare Options Explained
Before heading to A&E, consider the range of alternatives now available across the Surrey and Sussex region. NHS 111 remains your first port of call for non-emergency health concerns—trained advisors can guide you toward the most appropriate service, whether that’s an urgent treatment centre, your GP surgery, or pharmacy support. Many high street pharmacies in Guildford town centre, Woking, and Dorking high streets now offer expanded services, including minor illness consultations and wound care. Urgent treatment centres, available in most major towns throughout the region, handle sprains, minor infections, cuts requiring stitches, and similar injuries that aren’t life-threatening but need prompt attention. Your GP remains invaluable for ongoing health management, routine concerns, and referrals to specialists. For residents in East Horsley, Horsley, and quieter neighbourhoods, NHS 111 is particularly useful when your surgery is closed. The key is matching your symptom to the service: genuinely serious or life-threatening emergencies belong in A&E; everything else should funnel through alternative routes. This strategic approach isn’t about restricting access—it’s about getting you seen faster by the right professional.
What You Can Do: Taking Action This Winter
Local residents can play an active role in easing NHS pressure while ensuring they receive better, faster care. Start by familiarising yourself with where services are located near you—whether you’re in Guildford, Woking, Dorking, East Horsley, or Horsley. Download the NHS 111 app or bookmark the 111 online service for quick access during evenings and weekends. Share this information with family members, elderly neighbours, and friends who may not be digitally confident. Community groups and local surgeries throughout Surrey and Sussex are running awareness campaigns; keep an eye on social media and community notice boards for updates. If you experience a genuine emergency—chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, or major bleeding—never hesitate to call 999 or attend A&E immediately. However, for coughs, mild headaches, minor rashes, or other minor concerns, take five minutes to call 111 first. The NHS specifically asks everyone to “help us help you” by using appropriate services. By making informed choices, you’re not just protecting your own health outcomes—you’re ensuring emergency departments can focus on those facing the most critical situations. This winter, your decision matters.
Source: NHS Surrey and Sussex plea to use right service as demand grows
