Caredoc Gorey

When to go to a GP out of hours

Contact a GP out-of-hours service if your GP surgery is closed and you urgently need a GP.

If you do not need urgent medical care you should see your GP during surgery hours.

An out-of-hours GP is not for routine GP care, such as:

• repeat prescriptions
• test results
• medical certificates
• employment medicals

Go to the emergency department if it is a serious injury or life-threatening emergency.

How the service works

The GP out-of-hours service is for all ages.

It is by appointment only. There is no walk-in service.

When you phone the service they will take your details, such as:

• name and date of birth
• address and phone number
• a description of the medical issue
• your medical card or GP visit card number, if you have one

Your call will be referred to a triage nurse. They will phone you back. Keep your phone line free so you do not miss their call.

The nurse will tell you what to do next.

This could be:

• advice from the nurse or a GP
• advice to see your GP doing surgery hours
• an appointment to see the out-of-hours GP
• a house visit from the out-of-hours GP
• a referral to the emergency department or an injury unit
• getting an ambulance for you

How much it costs

The service is free with a valid medical card or GP visit card.

If you do not have a card you will be charged a fee.