Where to get healthcare out-of-hours this Christmas

Doctor’s surgeries will be closed for four days over Christmas, but research from Which? shows that many people don’t know what healthcare services are available out-of-hours or are unclear about which service they should use.

Although more than a third (35 per cent) of those surveyed had used an out-of-hours healthcare service in the past year, there was lack of knowledge about what services are available and when they can be used. More than half (52 per cent) of the people Which? surveyed didn’t know that they could call an out-of-hours GP service when their surgery was closed.

Which? has the following guide to the options available and when they should be accessed:

NHS Direct (England & Wales)/NHS 24 (Scotland)

• Provides confidential telephone advice 24 hours a day, every day of the year
• Use for general health information or advice, or if you are unsure what treatment or advice you need; their websites also contain useful health information
• NHS Direct is on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
• NHS 24 is on 08454 242424 or www.nhs24.com

Out-of-hours GP services

• Your surgery answerphone should tell you what to do when the surgery is closed or connect you to an out-of-hours service
• Use when you need advice quickly but the condition is not life-threatening
• You may receive telephone advice or a home visit, or be asked to visit a GP.

Walk-in-services (urgent care centres, sometimes called “walk-in centres” or “minor injuries units”)

• Treat minor illnesses and injuries and are usually open from early morning to late evening, seven days a week (check on NHS Direct or NHS24)
• You don’t have to make an appointment but it’s worth phoning ahead to check that they can treat you or a family member.

Pharmacies

• Offer an increasing range of services, which may include advice about minor ailments and certain medicines; some may be open until 12am.

Accident & Emergency

• Use for emergency injuries and illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, blood loss and suspected broken bones. Usually open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
• Use 999 (or the European-wide 112) when someone needs immediate emergency care, such as for a suspected heart attack or major injuries.

The full article “Out-of-hours healthcare” is in the December 2008 issue of Which? magazine.