People are being urged to help keep the pressure off hospital accident and emergency departments over the bank holiday weekend.

Thousands of people are expected to head for the Sussex coast, potentially putting already busy hospitals such as the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton under more strain.

Health bosses are asking for people to stop and think before heading to A&E and consider using alternative services instead.

This includes walk-in centres, minor injuries units, out-of-hour GPs and pharmacies.

They say choosing and using the right services will mean people can expect to be seen or treated quickly, keeping emergency services free for patients who need them most.

Susanna Petche, clinical programme lead for urgent care at the Coastal West Sussex clinical commissioning group, said: “Many visits to A&E could be treated more quickly and more appropriately by another NHS service and it’s important that we all work together to keep emergency services free for the people who really need them.

“If you need medical advice outside GP surgery and pharmacy hours please call NHS 111.

“They can advise you where to go to receive the most appropriate treatment.”

She added: “Pharmacists can also diagnose and treat a large number of conditions so it’s worth dropping into your local chemist and having a chat.”