NHS leaders in Sussex are urging residents to choose the most appropriate urgent care service as hospitals face rising demand from winter pressures, seasonal illnesses and cold-related injuries.
Health officials say emergency departments across the county are under strain and are asking the public to use alternatives to A&E for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, including NHS 111, Urgent Treatment Centres, walk-in centres and Minor Injury Units.
Winter Demand Puts Pressure on A&E
The call comes as hospitals across England experience a surge in flu, respiratory infections and cold-weather injuries, adding to already high bed occupancy levels and long waiting times in emergency departments.
In Sussex alone, 336,324 people were treated at walk-in centres, Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units between November 2024 and November 2025, highlighting the growing role of community-based urgent care in easing pressure on A&E.
Dr Aoife Fordham, an urgent treatment centre doctor, said many patients could be treated more quickly outside hospital emergency departments.
“A lot of people come to A&E when they would be seen more quickly somewhere else,” she said.
What Urgent Treatment Centres Can Handle
Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units are equipped to deal with a wide range of conditions, including sprains, suspected fractures, cuts, burns, infections, high temperatures and minor head injuries.
Dr Fordham explained that choosing the right service can significantly reduce waiting times.
“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,” she said.
Right Service, Faster Care
NHS Sussex said most patients attending urgent treatment centres, walk-in centres and minor injury units are assessed, treated and discharged during the same visit, with details shared with their GP to ensure continuity of care.
Importantly, patients do not need to be registered with a GP or have a fixed address to use these services, making them accessible to everyone.
Dr Fordham added that understanding local services is especially important during the winter period, when demand for healthcare rises sharply.
“Making the right choice really can make all the difference during a busy winter period,” she said. “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.”
Where to Find Urgent Care in Sussex
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 centres operating seven days a week.
NHS leaders continue to stress that A&E and 999 should be used for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, severe breathing problems, stroke symptoms and major trauma, while NHS 111 can guide patients to the most appropriate local service for urgent care needs.
