NHS 24 & GP OUT OF HOURS
NHS 24 & GP OUT OF HOURS
NHS 24 is a new 24-hour telephone health advice and information service for Scotland.
You can call 08454 24 24 24 at any time of day or night when:
• You, or someone you look after, are unwell
• You are looking for more information about a health matter or local healthcare services
When can I use NHS 24?
You're not feeling well, it's the middle of the night, you can't wait until your GP's surgery opens in the morning - what should you do? Pick up the phone and call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24...we're here to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
1. Call Handler
First of all, we'll get a few important details. Your name, where you are, who your doctor is, your phone number. Then we'll ask you your reason for calling. You'll find our call handlers ask clear questions that are easy to follow. They'll be understanding too, knowing you're worried.
2. Nurse Advisor
Maybe you're not feeling too well and you just want to make sure it's nothing too serious? When you call NHS 24 with symptoms, you will be put through to a nurse advisor and your symptoms will be assessed. Then you'll get practical advice about how best to look after yourself in your own home, and you'll get that much-needed reassurance. You'll be advised to call back if things don't get any better.
The nurse will want to assess your symptoms thoroughly and will check for the most serious illnesses first so don't be alarmed by the first few questions that you may be asked at the start of the assessment.
Once the nurse has assessed your symptoms, they will give you advice on what to do next. They can:
Get an ambulance for you
Ask you to go to an Accident and Emergency department
Arrange for a doctor to see you (at night)
Ask you to contact your own GP (during the day)
Give you information and reassurance
Give you advice on how best to treat symptoms yourself
The nurse will be able to give you directions to where you need to be and you can call NHS 24 back at any time if you are worried or symptoms change.
When calling with symptoms you will be asked for your:
Name
Address
Phone number
GP's name
Any medication you may be taking
Handy Hint: If you take medicines for whatever reason, keep a list of them near the telephone. This will save time as the nurse advisor will need to know what medicines you are taking in order to make a full assessment.
3. Health Information Advisor
Sometimes what you need is information about local services. "Is there an asthma support group nearby?" "I think my child is taking drugs - where can I get help?" The health information advisor will help you with these enquiries and, if necessary, carry out some research on your behalf.
4. Accident and Emergency
Do you or the person you are calling for need to go to hospital? If it's urgent help you need or specialist treatment, you may need to go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department for further assessment. In that case, the NHS 24 nurse advisor will send on your details first, so that A&E know to expect you.
5. GP@PCEC
Our nurse advisor may refer you to the duty doctor at your local Primary Care Emergency Centre (PCEC), should you need further assessment. Again, our nurse advisor will forward your details to the Centre before you get there so you are expected.
6. GP home visit
If you need to be seen by a doctor and you're too ill to get to your Primary Care Emergency Centre then the NHS 24 nurse advisor can arrange for the doctor to visit your home. You don't need to do anything more. The nurse advisor will arrange the visit for you or call an ambulance for you.
7. Community pharmacist
You may be advised to speak to your local pharmacist, who can provide advice about medicines that can help relieve your symptoms. The nurse advisor will help you find your nearest pharmacy and tell you when it is open.
8. Dentist
In some areas, emergency dental treatment is available. If you live in Glasgow, you can visit the Glasgow Emergency Dental Service for help. Our nurse advisors will know what is available in your area.
9. Ambulance
If you are very ill and think you need an ambulance, you should still call 999. If you call NHS 24 and the call handler thinks you need an ambulance, you will be asked to stay on the line whilst this is arranged for you. If you are speaking to a nurse and your condition becomes worse, the nurse can also call an ambulance for you.
When you are ill
When you, or someone you care for is unwell and you feel it can't wait until your GP surgery re-opens then you can call NHS 24 and talk to one of our experienced nurses.
The nurse will check they have your details correct, ask you a series of questions about the symptoms that are concerning you, and advise you on what to do next. To carry out an accurate assessment, the nurse will also ask you about your medical history including any medication you are taking or any allergies you have.
