Southdoc Castleisland

When to go to a GP out of hours

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

If you do not need urgent medical care, contact your GP during opening 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.

If you do not know which service to contact, phone your GP outside surgery hours. They should have a recorded message with the contact details for the local 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.

What happens next

When the nurse calls you back, they will tell you what to do.

This could be:

• advice from the nurse or a GP
• an appointment to see a GP out of hours

They may tell you to:

• contact your GP during their opening hours
• go to the emergency department
• go to an injury unit
• get an ambulance

They may also arrange:

• a house visit from a GP out of hours
• getting an ambulance for you

How much it costs

The service is free when you show your valid medical card or GP visit card.

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