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A Surrey NHS Trust has issued a warning to the public telling people, ahead of the bank holiday weekend not to attend emergency departments unless their medical need is "serious or

life-threatening". The Trust has said this is because they expecting a high demand in Emergency Departments (A&E) across Surrey this coming bank holiday weekend. A spokesperson for

the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) said: "Instead, those who need other care or treatment should make use of alternative NHS services including NHS 111, Urgent Treatment

Centres, local pharmacies and GP practices, who are also likely to be able to see you quicker than ED during peak periods." "Anyone arriving at the Emergency Department during the

bank holiday weekend who does not have an urgent medical need may be redirected to other NHS services, if it's deemed medically appropriate." "This will help keep patients

safe and ensure the hospital can deliver urgent treatment to those who are seriously ill or have a life-threatening injury or condition." Alternative local NHS services available: *

Visiting your local NHS Minor Injuries Units (MIUs), which offer walk-in services for adults and children with minor injuries and illnesses, often with shorter wait times than A&E. *

Visiting you local NHS Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) which treat minor illnesses and injuries that are urgent but not life-threatening. * Contacting NHS 111 which is accessible 24/7,

providing guidance for urgent medical needs that are not life-threatening, either online or via phone. * Visiting your local pharmacy which can offer advice on various health issues and

provide medications for common illnesses.