GIANT yellow models have brightened up Bexleyheath this week.

The seven-foot family of figures greeted shoppers and pedestrians yesterday (Dec 11) to inform them about alternatives to A&E departments this winter.

The models form part of a campaign launching across south-east London, Not Always A&E, which encourages people to seek help from elsewhere such as an urgent care centre, minor injuries unit, walk-in service, doctor’s surgery or a pharmacy.

News Shopper: Picture tweeted by Mike @ForthHokage

Hundreds of shoppers stopped to find out more about including mum Jackie Henry-Laird from Bexleyheath.

She said: “Not knowing where to go when my children are unwell can make you feel quite isolated. Knowing there’s an urgent care centre nearby is great.”

“I’ve learnt a lot from this campaign, especially about Queen Mary’s Hospital and the urgent care centre, which can treat injuries like cuts, burns, sprains, breaks and strains.

News Shopper: Nurse Bipin Patel with Dr Howard Stoate and Andy Maxted

Chair of NHS Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Howard Stoate, said: “Thousands of Bexley residents attend accident and emergency departments in London, Dartford and further afield every month, when many could be treated in a more convenient and suitable place.

“There are a range of healthcare services local people can access in the borough and this campaign helps to explain what these are and when you might need to attend, depending on the illness or injury you might have.”

For more information, visit bexleyccg.nhs.uk