Can’t get a GP appointment in Hailsham or the surrounding areas? If you have tried to book recently and been told the next available slot is days or weeks away, you are not alone.
Across East Sussex including Eastbourne, Hailsham, Bexhill, Seaford and Uckfield patients are regularly finding it difficult to access their GP surgery quickly, particularly for same-day or urgent appointments.
The good news is that you have more options than you might think. This guide explains what to do when you cannot get a GP appointment, who can help, and when it is appropriate to seek private care instead.
Why Is It So Hard to Get a GP Appointment?
GP surgeries across the UK are under significant pressure. Rising patient demand, staff shortages and an ageing population have made it increasingly difficult for practices to offer timely appointments. Many surgeries now use online triage systems that require you to submit your symptoms before being offered a slot, which can feel slow and impersonal when you are feeling unwell.
In East Sussex, this pressure is particularly pronounced. If your condition cannot wait days or weeks for a standard appointment, it is worth knowing what alternatives are available.
Your Options When You Cannot Get a GP Appointment
1. Call NHS 111
If your condition is urgent but not life-threatening, calling 111 (or visiting 111.nhs.uk) is a good first step. The 111 service can assess your symptoms, provide advice, arrange a call back from a clinician, or book you into an urgent treatment centre if needed.
However, 111 cannot always offer same-day face-to-face appointments, and waiting times for a call back can be lengthy, particularly at weekends and bank holidays.
2. Visit an NHS Urgent Treatment Centre
East Sussex has NHS urgent treatment centres at Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital in Hastings, both open from 10am to 10pm seven days a week. These are suitable for conditions that cannot wait 24 hours but are not life-threatening emergencies.
Be aware that waiting times at these centres can be significant, particularly during busy periods and winter months.
3. Speak to a Pharmacist
For minor ailments such as coughs, colds, skin rashes, hay fever, and minor infections, your local pharmacist can offer advice and recommend over-the-counter treatments. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can now also treat certain conditions — including urinary tract infections, earache and sore throats — without you needing to see a GP at all.
4. Use a Private Urgent Care Clinic
If you need to be seen quickly by a qualified clinician, a private urgent care clinic is often the fastest and most convenient option. You can typically book a same-day appointment, be seen within hours, and — where appropriate — have medication prescribed and dispensed on the spot.
How Elite Health & Urgent Care Can Help
At Elite Health & Urgent Care, we provide fast, professional private healthcare from our clinic in Hailsham. Our team of paramedic practitioners, advanced clinical practitioners and HCPC registered clinicians can assess and treat a wide range of conditions that would ordinarily require a GP appointment.
What We Can Help With
We can assess and treat minor illnesses and injuries including:
- Chest infections, coughs and colds
- Urinary tract and bladder infections
- Ear problems, including ear wax removal
- Skin rashes and minor dermatology concerns
- Headaches and general malaise
- Abdominal pain (non-severe)
- Minor wounds, burns and musculoskeletal injuries
- Allergic reactions (excluding anaphylaxis)
We can also prescribe medication on-site where appropriate, meaning you leave with the treatment you need rather than having to visit a pharmacy separately.
Same-Day Appointments Available
We offer same-day appointments at our Hailsham clinic (2 North Street, BN27 1DQ) as well as home visits across East Sussex for patients who are unable to travel.
Appointments can be booked online or by calling 0300 304 6260.
No GP Referral Needed
You do not need a referral from your GP to use our service. Simply book directly and one of our experienced clinicians will assess and treat you.
How Much Does a Private Clinic Appointment Cost?
We believe private healthcare should be accessible and transparent. Our standard clinic appointment is £49 Monday to Friday and £59 at weekends and bank holidays. Telephone and video consultations are available from £35.
We also offer membership plans from £19 per month for individuals and £49 per month for families, which include unlimited consultations and a 15% discount on all treatments.
When Should I Go to A&E Instead?
Private urgent care is not a replacement for emergency services. Please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you or someone else experiences any of the following:
- Chest pain or suspected heart attack
- Suspected stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- Difficulty breathing or suspected anaphylaxis
- Unconsciousness or seizures
- Serious bleeding that cannot be controlled
- Major trauma or injury
For anything that is not a life-threatening emergency but cannot wait for a GP appointment, we are here to help.
Book an Appointment Today
If you are struggling to get a GP appointment in Eastbourne, Hailsham or anywhere across East Sussex, Elite Health & Urgent Care is here to provide fast, professional care when you need it most.
Book online now or call us on 0300 304 6260.
We cover Hailsham, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Seaford, Uckfield and all surrounding areas in East Sussex.