Reminder to only use hospitals in medical emergency ahead of busy bank holiday weekend

Hospitals are urging the public only to use them in medical emergencies ahead of what they expect to be a busy bank holiday weekend.

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group has voiced the warning in the run-up to the three-day weekend which will include the coronation of King Charles III.

And while many people will be enjoying a longer break, front line doctors, nurses, other health professionals, porters and support staff will be working hard to care for those in need across South west-London.

Kate Slemeck, managing director at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the long weekend and hope you can do this safely and responsibly.

“We want to take the opportunity to thank all our staff who are working throughout the bank holiday to care for our patients and those who need us most, but we ask that if you need healthcare advice to use NHS 111 online first, unless you are in a medical emergency, to enable our teams to prioritise the most unwell patients.”

Ahead of the coronation festivities this weekend, the public can also help NHS staff by ensuring any repeat prescriptions are requested and collected in plenty of time.

As well as using NHS 111, many pharmacies will be open over the weekend and can give advice on minor medical problems, while a 24/7 crisis line at South West London St George’s – 0800 028 8000 – is available for urgent mental health care.

Pictured top: St George’s Hospital (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust)