Brighton & Hove residents urged to use GP not hospital over Pride weekend

Brighton Pride is the biggest summer festival in the city that sees hundreds of thousands of local residents and visitors flocking to the streets to enjoy the colourful festivities.

Residents who find themselves with an urgent medical need that’s not an emergency can make an appointment through their GP between 6.30pm to 8.30pm every weekday evening and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday by contacting their registered surgery.

These appointments are in addition to the usual GP surgery opening hours from 8am to 6pm.

“We have many pre-bookable GP appointments locally for our residents this Pride weekend. Appointments will be at a local practice, a practice receptionist can help you find the right service and at a time that works best for you.”

Alternatives to A&E for urgent care when it’s not an emergency includes the NHS Walk in Centre at Brighton Railway Station, open 8am to 8pm everyday for treatment of minor injuries and ailments without an appointment, and www.nhs.uk is available to check symptoms online around the clock.

NHS 111 is available 24/7 and offers advice and guidance for patients experiencing non-emergency urgent healthcare needs and can advise on local NHS services, connect the caller to medical professional, arrange appointments and offer self-care advice.

A pharmacist can also help, offering treatment advice and recommend remedies, and give guidance on giving medicines to children. You do not need an appointment to see a local pharmacist and most have private consultation areas.