Emergencies

If there is a medical emergency at home during the working day, call the surgery reception and you will be put through to speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

 

Out of hours care
Out-of-hours is defined as weeknights from 6.30pm to 8.00am, weekends from 6.30pm on Friday to 8.00am on Monday and Bank Holidays until 8.00am the next morning. All out-of-hours care is provided by Northern Doctors Urgent Care.

Outside surgery hours, have a pen and paper ready and call the usual surgery number and listen to the message - it will tell you how to contact NDUC. If you need to see a doctor and are able to travel by car, you may be asked to attend their clinic. If you are too unwell to travel, a doctor or paramedic may visit your home according to your medical needs.

Do I really need to contact a doctor?

Please only use the out-of-hours service if your medical condition is such that you cannot possibly wait until the surgery opens again. The provision of an out-of-hours service costs local health authorities a lot of money and its resources are stretched by inappropriate use, meaning that patients who really need attention have to wait longer.

Think about whether or not it could wait until tomorrow
See our "Self help" advice pages
More advice is available from the NHS Direct advice line (24 hrs)
Otherwise call the surgery and listen to the message - it will tell you how to contact the duty doctor.