The NHS yellow men are back in Lambeth
Anyone passing through Brixton's Windrush Square on 31 October would have noticed a family of seven-foot tall yellow figures with various ailments. The giant statues were part of an eye-catching NHS campaign to explain that people should only go to A&E when it is absolutely necessary.
The NHS in Lambeth and south east London is re-running last year's successful campaign to raise awareness about the alternatives to A&E.
Winter is a very busy time for local Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. The season puts severe pressure on hospitals with far too many people turning up for treatment for seasonal illnesses, to a service intended for serious life threatening emergencies.
Lambeth GP and Chair of NHS Lambeth CCG, Dr Adrian McLachlan said: "We hope that people will remember this campaign from last year and think before going to A&E if it is not a health emergency.
"Last winter, 1800 patients people a day attended A&E in south east London. Based on national surveys, we know that about 800 of them could have got quicker and more appropriate treatment elsewhere.
"In Lambeth our poster campaign has focused on sore throats, upset tummies and coughs and colds because people suffering with these conditions often visit A&E when they don't need to. In most cases a visit to your local pharmacist for advice and rest at home will get you better as quickly as anything else."
Over the coming weeks the yellow figures will be appearing in posters on buses and billboards across the borough.
The campaign will be highlighting the alternative places people can get the expert advice and treatment they need locally, including pharmacies, GPs, Gracefield Gardens Walk in Centre at 2-8 Gracefield Gardens, Streatham and Guy's and St Thomas' Urgent Care Centre. ​
For more information about what to do if you are injured or unwell, click here.