Out of Hours
Our team consists of specialist nurses (Advances Practitioners APs), Health Care Support Workers, Communication Co-ordinators, Community Adult General Nurses (CAGN) and General Practitioners (GPs).
We have two fully operational centres – one in Stranraer at Galloway Community Hospital and the other at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary Hospital
What We Do
We provide urgent care service provision outwith normal General Practice working times. We provide medical care and advice for people who are unwell and would otherwise access their GP services if it were open.
This service is not intended to replace the general practitioner services which can be accessed during the daytime. This does mean that there may be limitations in advice and medical care available for ongoing chronic conditions already being managed by your GP practice, particularly altering long-term medications or management plans.
However, if there is a sudden change in your condition, or you become unwell and it is neither an accident nor an emergency which requires immediate attention then we are able to offer a consultation with an appropriate medical professional for your condition.
Did You Know
Pharmacies provide minor illness advice and can also provide free prescriptions for certain conditions. Have you tried them first? They can suggest treatments for coughs and colds and Urinary Tract infections along with sprains and strains. This may offer an easier and faster way to help manage your conditions safely.
If you need medical advice when your GP practice is closed and cannot wait until your surgery is open please call NHS 24 by dialling 111..
Any one who needs the assistance of a translator to access NHS 24 should tell the person answering the call the language they speak. The call with then be linked as soon as possible to a translation service.
Dumfries and Galloway provides out-of hours medical services for all of the region. We do not operate a walk in policy. You must phone NHS 24 on 111 where the nurse adviser will assess you over the telephone and discuss next steps.
Depending on the outcome of the assessment by NHS 24 you you may be seen at either of our two out-of-hours centres which are located in Dumfries and Stranraer or advised that someone will contact you and only when necessary, in your own home following a telephone call or video consultation with a member of the out of hours team.
All routine health matters, including repeat prescriptions, must be dealt with by your own GP practice, Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm.
The service is staffed by a team of:
- Doctors
- Nurse practitioners
Feedback
If you have any comments or complaints about Out of Hours services you can write to:
Patient Feedback Officer
NHS Dumfries and Galloway
Second Floor South
Mountainhall Treatment Centre
Bankend Road
Dumfries
DG1 4AP
Tel: 01387 272733
Or Email: dg.PatientServices@nhs.scot
What Happens When You Call NHS24?
You will initially contact NHS24 through the non emergency line 111.
- A call handler will ask your name, address, phone number and why you are calling.
- You will then speak to a nurse adviser who will assess your symptoms.
- Please note: At times when NHS 24 is very busy it is possible that the nurse adviser may arrange to call you back. If during that time your condition worsens please phone NHS 24 and let them know.
- The nurse advisor will provide you with advice or, if required, arrange for you to be seen by a health care professional in the local out-of hours medical service.
What Happens Next
You will initially contact NHS24 through the non emergency line 111.
During this call the trained professional will take necessary details in order to determine the urgency with which your condition needs to be assessed and also the appropriate medical professional to assess your condition.
You will then either be given telephone advice or your case will be forwarded to the Dumfries and Galloway Out of Hours Hub.
One of the Communication Coordinators will contact you to arrange for you to be assessed by one of the local team members. You may also be given the opportunity to have a video consultation
If you have to come in to be seen you will be advised of a time to attend Out of Hours department by one of our Communication Co-ordinators. This is only an estimated time and there is no guarantee that you will be seen as soon as you arrive and you may have to wait.
Out of Hours Service in Stranraer operate out of a shared waiting area with the Emergency Department which may also include patients who have been referred into the hospital.