If you see a seven-ft yellow man outside Croydon Council's headquarters - don't worry - he's there to help you.

Visitors to the council’s customer service centre will notice a whole family of the bizarre statues at Bernard Weatherill House from 8.30am to 11am.

The giant statues are part of an NHS campaign to stop people going to A&E when it is not necessary and there are better alternatives.

The aim is to reduce waiting times at A&E departments.

Croydon’s Clinical Commissioning Group is launching the campaign.

It will highlight other options in Croydon where patients can get treatment from including the GP walk-in service at Edridge Road, minor injury services at Purley War Memorial Hospital and Parkway Health Centre in New Addington.

Later in the day, the Yellow Men will be in North End between the main entrances to the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres, from noon until 5pm.

Councillor Margaret Mead, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: “This is a fun and quirky idea which will drive home the all-important messages around when to go to A&E.

“Many trips to A&E are unnecessary, and people can be treated much more quickly and closer to home.

“With winter a busy time for A&E departments, the council wants to support our partners at Croydon CCG to help residents find out about the alternatives available.”

 

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