When the Surgery is closed

Outside of normal Practice opening hours e.g. between 8.00 – 18.30, patients who have urgent medical problems that will not wait until the practice is open again should ring the NHS 111 Service by dialling 111.  This service is available to patients from 18.30 -8:00 a.m. Monday – Friday, and 24 hours at weekends and on Public Holidays.

The 111 service, after taking a full history, will either:

• Give advice on the telephone
• Arrange to assess the patient either in their home or at a GP base
• Admit the patient directly to hospital
• Advise you to see your GP

Please direct any queries, comments or complaints directly to them by telephoning 111.

For assessment, treatment and advice for minor injuries and illnesses you should visit your local Walk-in Centres, Urgent Treatment Centre and minor injuries.

These are nurse-led facilities that provide treatment for a range of minor ailments including: infection and rashes, emergency contraception and advice on; burns and strains, coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms, sore throats and earache, bites and stings, minor cuts and wounds (wound care and dressings), skin complaints (rashes, sunburn, head lice), stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea, women’s and men’s health problems.  Suturing and treatment of joint and muscle injuries are services available at the Victoria Central Minor Injuries Unit. (Please see below)

Patients requiring primary care services at weekends and evenings for both routine and urgent problems can attend one of the available Walk in Centres. Available services range from Doctors, Practice Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

Details of the local services available are listed below:

For life-threatening emergencies such as:

• Severe Bleeding/Serious Injury
• Collapse or Unconsciousness
• Severe Chest Pains

Telephone 999 for an ambulance IMMEDIATELY