When We Are Closed

NHS 111

In the case of urgent need when the practice is closed you can call NHS 111 to speak to a triage nurse. Your needs will be assessed and advice offered or arrangements made for you to see a doctor.

Please do not ask to see a doctor out of hours unless you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.

Call 999 in an emergency If you have Chest pains and / or shortness of breath which constitutes an emergency.

Call NHS 111 when it's less urgent than 999

 

In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.

 

Pharmacists

  • Pharmacists (chemists) can provide advice and treatment for a wide variety of medical problems.
  • Many Pharmacists are open longer hours than the Surgery.
  • Pharmacists are highly trained professionals that provide advice on a wide range of problems.
  • They can be particularly helpful for advice about colds, flu, sore throats, ear ache or coughs.
  • They can also advise on regular medication and ways to stop smoking.
  • Pharmacies can offer emergency contraception.
 

Health Checks if you're between 40 and 74

If you do not regularly see your GP for any existing condition, you might like to get a free NHS Health Check - just ask your pharmacist for details.

 

Walk-in centres

  • NHS Walk-in centres provide advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses (coughs, colds, infections) and minor injuries (strains, sprains, cuts).
  • Many centres are open from early morning to late evening, seven days a week.
  • The centres are run by experienced NHS nurses and some have doctors available.
  • No appointment is needed.
 

Emergency Dental Treatment

A GP is not appropriately trained to deal with dental problems. This includes toothaches, abscesses and problems experienced after dental treatment. We cannot provide antibiotics as it is necessary to have a full assessment before prescribing such things.

We would therefore suggest patients register with and attend regularly a dentist who can provide appropriate routine and emergency advice. Dentists offer a 24 hour emergency service. Out of normal surgery hours, this service is only for urgent dental treatment that cannot wait until the next working day to be treated.

For emergency dental treatment outside normal working hours, registered patients should contact their dental surgery. Most surgeries have an answering machine message referring you to out-of-hours information.

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