AS "unprecedented demand" forces A&E services nationwide to declare major incidents, residents in East Surrey are being asked not to go to hospital except completely necessary.
NHS East Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging residents to call 111 or use a new web app to check whether their hospital visit is necessary or whether they can be treated elsewhere.
Dr Patrick Kerr, GP and assistant clinical chair of NHS East Surrey CCG, said: "The volume of people attending local emergency departments with non-urgent and minor ailments such as coughs, colds and sneezes, sickness and diarrhoea, has resulted in an excessive demand upon services that are available for urgent or emergency care.
"We know it can sometimes be confusing to know which service is right for you when you are not feeling 100 per cent. It is very important to remember that 999 and A&E services are only for serious life threatening emergencies."
The group has just launched a new web app, Health Help Now, which lists common symptoms and helps patients find the best place for treatment.
In some cases GP practices, minor injury units, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists, may be able to provide the necessary treatment and save a hospital visit.
Visit www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net to access the free app or call 111 for advice.
