OUT OF HOURS SERVICES
Important Changes
From 1st April 2004, when the surgery is closed, urgent health care will be provided by Primecare. This is a company, which has been commissioned by Darlington Primary Care Trust, to provide out of hours care.
What are out of hours services?
Out of hours services are provided during the following periods when the surgery is closed:
Monday - Friday 6:00 pm - 8:00 am
Saturday - Monday 8:00 am - 8:00 am (Weekends)
Bank Holidays 6:00 pm the night before until 8:00 am the day after
How do you contact someone to give you help?
During the out of hours period, from the 1st April 2004 you will need to telephone:
0870 240 6518
Your first contact will be with a highly qualified nurse who will ask some questions, which will ensure that you receive prompt advice from an appropriate health care professional.
This could be over the phone, or by face to face consultation with a doctor, nurse or emergency care practitioner. This care may take place at your local urgent care centre and you will be advised which centre to attend and be given an appointment time.
How will you get to the urgent care centre?
You will need to make your own way to the centre. Transport may be provided for people with access difficulties.
What about home visits?
A home visit will only be made if it is considered necessary by a health care professional.
Additional help is also available:
NHS Direct 0845 46 47
Health advice and information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by contacting NHS Direct.
This is a confidential telephone service. You can ring for advice if you are feeling ill and are unsure what to do or for information on particular conditions such as diabetes and allergies.
NHS Direct can also tell you where to find the nearest doctor, dentist, optician or pharmacist.
Also: NHS DIRECT WEBSITE
What do you do in the event of an EMERGENCY?
If you have a severe injury or a serious accident, you should call :
999
Severe injuries will be dealt with in the accident and emergency unit (A&E) at Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, Telephone
01325 380100
The A&E unit is not an alternative to your GP. Don't go to A&E because your own doctor can't see you straight away. Using A&E inappropriately for minor problems may prevent others with life threatening conditions from getting immediate care.
You should call 999 when someone has a serious injury or illness such as:
* Chest pains
* Breathing difficulties
* Has collapsed
* Is unconscious
* Has severe trauma
* Severe pain and bleeding
* Serious road traffic accident