When We Are Closed
Get the right treatment from the right NHS service
It’s important to us that you get the right care, in the right place, when you need NHS help or treatment.
As you may be unaware of the all services available to you locally, we have listed the key ones below. By choosing the right service, you will get the right advice and treatment - and help the NHS manage its resources. For instance, did you know that one out of every four people who go to A&E could have been treated elsewhere or could have self-treated? Every time someone goes to A&E and is discharged without needing further treatment, the cost to the NHS is £124.
NHS Choices www.nhs.uk is a dedicated website where you can find up-to-date and expert advice on a range of illnesses and complaints, as well as NHS services.
NHS 111 provides a confidential telephone service, 24 hours a day, to give advice and guidance on health issues and health services. If they decide an ambulance is necessary, then they will be able to arrange that for you.
A pharmacist (chemist) can give you confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and ailments – and you don’t need an appointment. A poster in the window of any local pharmacy will tell you which are open in the evening and on Sundays / bank holidays.
Manor Park Surgery can be contacted on 01323 482301 for both sites. During out of hours, there will be a message detailing what you should do and who to contact. Please listen carefully.
There’s also a walk in GP surgery at Eastbourne Railway Station Health Centre, open 8am-8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays. Ideally you should be seen at your own surgery but when the surgery is closed or at weekends the walk in surgery is available for all patients of local practices, and visitors. You don’t have to register - just walk in or telephone 01323 726650 for an appointment.
There is an Extended Access Service available for out of hours appointments, but these must be booked in advance via our receptionists on the usual daytime number: 01323 482301. Additional details on this scheme is available under the Further Information tab on the right hand side of the screen
A&E and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life threatening situation, such as a serious accident, severe chest pain and loss of blood, and loss of consciousness. Please call NHS 111 for advice on non-emergency healthcare concerns out of hours and they will be able to assist.
We want to make sure the highly skilled teams at our A&E department are available for those who need them. Your support to help us do that is really appreciated.
Ring the NHS Dental Helpline 0300 1000 899 if you want to register with a dentist for NHS dental services or have a dental emergency in the daytime on a weekday.
The NHS Emergency Dental Service is for urgent dental treatment out of hours when you own dentist is closed (or if you do not have a dentist). NHS dental charges apply.
- Hailsham 01323 449170: Lines open weekdays from 6.30pm, weekends & bank holidays from 1pm
- Lewes 01273 486444: Lines open weekdays from 6.30pm, weekends & bank holidays from 9am
- Hastings 01424 850792: Lines open weekdays from 6.30pm, weekends & bank holidays from 9am.
Sexual health services – the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and contraceptive / family planning – are provided at Avenue House Clinic, 1A The Avenue, Eastbourne, telephone 01323 416100.
The NHS Stop Smoking Service helps people quit smoking. Specialist stop smoking advisers offer inspiring help and motivational support to both groups and individuals. Advisers run a free, friendly, flexible service, offering daytime and evening group or individual appointments and drop-ins. For further information telephone 0800 917 8896 or visit: www.stopsmokingineastsussex.co.uk
The Sussex Mental Healthline 0300 5000 101 is a service available to anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of relatives or friends. It provides telephone support and information, Monday to Friday 5pm – 9am, and 24 hours at weekends and bank holidays.
Action for Change provides advice, information and treatment for anyone experiencing difficulties with alcohol or anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. Telephone 01323 721000 or email reception.sr@action-for-change.org for more information.
CRI is the gateway service for drug treatment in Eastbourne and the surrounding area. People can refer themselves by phone – 01323 410092 – or go to Lift House, 6 St Leonard’s Road, Eastbourne, weekdays 9am-5pm (Tuesdays until 6.30pm). There’s more information at www.crinet.co.uk
Useful helplines and websites
- Alcoholics Anonymous, East Sussex 24-hour helpline 01622 751842;www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.uk
- Drinkline, 24-hour helpline 0800 917 82 82, www.knowyourlimits.co.uk
- Samaritans, 24-hour helpline 08457 90 90 90
- Saneline, 0845 767 8000, 12pm - 2am, practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems
- Think Drink Drugs, www.thinkdrinkdrugs.co.uk, Sussex site with local referral information
- FRANK, 24-hour helpline 0800 77 66 00, www.talktofrank, information service for substance users, families and friends.