As winter pressures increase and GP practices close over the festive period, out-of-hours health services across Lanarkshire are continuing to provide urgent care and support to patients when it is most needed.
The out-of-hours service is available during evenings, overnight and at weekends, including throughout Christmas and the New Year. It is designed for urgent medical concerns that cannot wait until a GP practice reopens, helping ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.
Access to the service is via NHS 24 by calling 111. Calls are clinically assessed and, where further advice or assessment is required, patients are passed to the out-of-hours team. Working closely with NHS 24, the service can provide advice over the phone, an appointment at an out-of-hours centre, or a home visit where appropriate.
Jane McDonald, Senior Charge Nurse with the out-of-hours team in NHS Lanarkshire, said: “If you or someone you care for becomes unwell when your GP practice is closed, the out-of-hours service is here to help with urgent medical concerns that can’t wait until the practice reopens. The first step is to call NHS 24 on 111, where your call will be clinically assessed and, if further support is needed, you’ll be passed to the out-of-hours team.
“We work closely with NHS 24 to make sure people get the right care in the right place. Depending on individual needs, that might be advice over the phone, an appointment at one of our centres, or a home visit where appropriate. If you’re worried and need help when your GP is closed, calling 111 is the quickest way to access the support you need.”
Patients are reminded that the out-of-hours service is for urgent medical issues and is not intended for routine appointments or repeat prescriptions. Calling 111 is the quickest way to access urgent care when GP practices are closed.
Pic: Jane McDonald, senior Charge Nurse
