Urgent Problems

Life Threatening Emergencies

In a life-threatening emergency such as sudden severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, loss of power in a limb, loss of consciousness or severe bleeding dial 999.

Accident & Emergency Department (A&E)

The accident and emergency department is for accidents, serious illnesses, heart attacks, chest pain, serious falls, fractures etc.

Do not go there for repeat prescriptions or a condition you might have had for some time that is already being treated. Advice should be obtained from the GP and also prescriptions from the surgery.

The receptionists have guidelines laid down by the GPs and if they advise you to go to the accident and emergency department please follow their instructions. It is often that you need urgent emergency treatment or require tests or procedures not performed in the surgery.

Urgent Problems During Surgery Hours

If you have an urgent problem during surgery opening hours there are urgent appointments available every day morning and afternoon.

You must telephone the surgery and inform the receptionist that you need an urgent appointment. The receptionist will ask you what type of problem is involved to ensure you get the correct advice and attention.

For an urgent problem in the morning, please telephone at 09:00 and you will be allocated a time. Urgent problems for the afternoon are not available before 16:00.

There is not usually a choice of clinician for an emergency appointment.

When The Surgery Is Closed

What to do when the surgery is closed:

  • If it’s a life-threatening emergency call 999.
  • If you need medical help fast but it’s not an emergency, visit NHS 111 website.
  • Calls to 111 are free from landlines and mobiles.
  • NHS 111 is available 24/7, every day of the year.

When To Call 111

  • You think you need to go to A&E or to another NHS urgent care service.
  • The surgery is closed and you need healthcare advice.
  • You don’t know who to call for medical help.

When To Call 999

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies such as:

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

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

More information about NHS 111 can be obtained from NHS choices.

Please only visit the A&E department if it is an emergency.