If you need to see a doctor out of hours, or when the surgery is closed, you should continue to ring the usual surgery number and listen to the recorded message. This will tell you how to contact the out-of-hours care service. This practice is covered by Local Care Direct which is staffed by local GPs and nurses. They can provide urgent medical care or advice when the practice is closed.
You can also get help 24/7 by calling NHS 111, which is designed to make it easier for people to access local health services. The number is free to call and is a fast and easy way for people to get the right help. It is for people who:
- Need medical care fast, but it's not an emergency
- Don't know who to call for medical help
- Think they need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service
- Need health information or reassurance about what to do next
Callers to 111 are put through to a team of highly-skilled call advisers, who are supported by experienced nurses. They use a clinical assessment system and ask questions to assess the caller's needs and determine the most appropriate course of action.
A visit to an NHS Walk-in Centre may be appropriate is some cases. NHS walk-in centres offer fast and convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. They do not replace local GP or hospital amenities but support the existing services. The one shown below is open between 9.00am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday; you do not need an appointment.
The nearest Walk-in centre is at:
Dewsbury and District Hospital
Halifax Road
Dewsbury
WF13 4HS