Skip to content

Out of Hours

Doctors-Bag

What to do when the Surgery is CLOSED and you are unwell

If you need medical help fast but it is not an emergency, call 111.

If it is a life-threatening emergency call 999.

You should call 111 when:

    • You think you need to go to A&E or to another NHS urgent care service
    • Your GP Surgery is CLOSED and you need healthcare advice
    • You don’t know who to call for medical help

Calls to 111 are FREE from landlines and mobiles and is available 24/7 every day of the year. During normal practice opening hours, the practice remains your first point of contact for all routine requests.

Further information on 111

Further information on 999

What is NHS 111?

It’s a new NHS free to call phone number which makes it easier for you to access local health services. If you need urgent healthcare or out of hours care you should call NHS 111 before you go to any other service. By calling NHS 111 you will be directed straightaway to the local service that can help you best. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What will happen when I call NHS 111?

You will be asked questions and assessed by a fully trained call adviser who will give advice and direct you straightaway to the local service that can help you best. Call advisers are supported by clinicians who are on hand to assess callers’ needs and ensure they receive the right service, first time, as quickly as possible.

During normal practice opening hours, the practice remains your first point of contact for all routine requests.

Please download the following leaflets for further information:

Emergencies

Call 999 for life threatening emergencies such as:

    • Major accident or trauma
    • Severe breathlessness
    • Severe bleeding
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Severe chest pain

For all other urgent healthcare needs please call NHS 111

Community Pharmacists

In addition to dispensing prescriptions the large network of community pharmacies across County Durham and Darlington provide a wide range of services e.g.:

    • Minor ailments
    • Sexual health
    • Smoking cessation services

A number of pharmacies provide extended opening hours including opening in the evenings and at weekends. Details of all pharmacies in County Durham and Darlington can be accessed via their website:
www.durhamlpc.org.uk 

You can also download this leaflet: CDD Pharmaceutical Services

We recommend that you telephone a pharmacy to check they can provide the service you need before you set off.

Skip to content