Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals are experiencing another busy winter and colleagues are working hard to ensure patients continue to receive timely and compassionate care.
If you or a loved one fall ill, it is important to understand how to access the right care. Making the right choice helps you and means that others can get the care they need during this busy period.
We are currently seeing a high number of patients with respiratory symptoms in our emergency department and we strongly recommend you wear a face mask while in the department to protect yourself and those around you, face masks are available.
Think 111 and self-care first
Many minor injuries, like colds, sore throats or mild tummy bugs can be managed safely at home. It’s a good idea to stock up on essentials like pain relief, cold remedies and first aid supplies. But remember – if you’re not sure what’s wrong – you can always call NHS 111 or visit the NHS website for useful health advice and resources.
NHS 111 is available 24/7 online at 111.nhs.uk, or by phone. Trained advisors will guide you to the most appropriate service, whether that’s a GP appointment, an urgent care appointment or to reassure you that you can self-care at home.
Urgent Treatment Centres are available over winter, in most cases without an appointment, offering excellent service for when you have a medical problem that’s not critical or life-threatening, including minor cuts and wounds. There are urgent treatment centres located in Woking, Ashford and Chertsey.
- Woking Urgent Treatment Centre - CSH Surrey
- Ashford Urgent Treatment Centre - CSH Surrey
- St Peter’s Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre
Call NHS 111 if you or your child have symptoms of flu and:
- you're worried about your baby's or child's symptoms
- you're 65 or over
- you're pregnant
- you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
- you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
- your symptoms do not improve after seven days
Call 999 or go to ED if you:
- get sudden chest pain
- have difficulty breathing
- start coughing up a lot of blood
Pharmacists are your local experts
Pharmacies are also available to offer expert advice and treatments for minor illnesses. Remember to check with your GP practice and ensure you have enough of your prescription medication to get you through the bank holidays.
Please contact NHS 111 before travelling to a service over Christmas and New Year, as it may be closed or running reduced hours, and they will be able to advise you on what is open and available.
Life and limb-threatening emergencies
The emergency department (ED) and 999 should only be used for serious life or limb-threatening conditions, such as chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe injury or illness.
Choosing the right service helps reduce pressure on our emergency services and enables them to help those who need it most, and also means you can get the care you need as soon as possible. Find out more about what’s available.
Look out for your family, friends, and neighbours this Christmas
Helping people access care early can prevent them from being admitted to hospital. Please take the time to check on elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbours over the festive season to ensure they are well and to help avoid any deterioration in their health and any potential admission to hospital over Christmas or New Year.
