GP Out of Hours

Due to recent Strep A concerns, GP Out of Hours (GPOOH)  is experiencing an unprecedented number of calls. GPOOHs must prioritise URGENT calls.

We would ask patients to consider if they genuinely need urgent care before phoning.

Please check the symptom checker on nidirect.gov.uk for advice and treatment or click on the link below for the Children’s Symptom Checker for immediate advice eg. increasing fluid intake in Children.

The GP out of hours service is for people who need urgent medical treatment only but cannot wait until their doctor’s practice re-opens. The service is for those with a terminal illness, very sick children and the frail elderly.

If your condition is life-threatening, for example, a suspected heart attack or stroke, telephone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

GP Out of Hours should not be used for:

• repeat prescriptions
• dental problems
• minor ailments that a pharmacist can treat

Using the out of hours service

GP out of hours is available if you need urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed.

GP out of hours services are open:

• From 6pm on week days until your GP surgery opens the next morning
• 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday
• 24 hours on public holidays

You need to telephone GP out of hours first as this is an appointment only service. The doctor or nurse will assess you and:

• give you advice by telephone
• decide if you need to see a doctor
• refer you to another service