When We Are Closed

If it is a life-threatening emergency call 999

If you need medical help fast but its not an emergency call 111

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

 NHS 111 is the number to call when you need medical help fast but it's not a life threatening emergency.

 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 should call 111 when:

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

Patients urged: ‘Talk Before You Walk’ when your GP practice is closed

Patients across Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield have been reminded to ‘Talk Before You Walk’ when in need of care when their GP practice is closed.

By phoning NHS 111, patients who need to be seen urgently on the same day will be offered an appointment with a healthcare professional either at their own GP surgery or at another surgery nearby called a Primary Care Service or a hub.

Primary Care Services are available across the area.

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

Community Pharmacists

In addition to dispensing prescriptions the large network of community pharmacies across Co Durham and Darlington provide a wide range of services e.g. minor ailments, sexual health and smoking cessation services.

A number of pharmacies provide extended opening hours including opening in the evenings and at weekends, details of all pharmacies in County Durham and Darlington can be accessed via www.durhamlpc.org.uk click on the "pharmacies" link on the left hand side of the home page.  We recommend that you telephone a pharmacy to check they can provide the service you need before you set off.