When We Are Closed

If you need to see a doctor outside of our normal working hours of 08:30 to 18:30 please ring NHS 111.

Operating between the hours of 18:30 to 08:00 on weekdays and around the clock at weekends and bank holidays, 111 offers a GP service for people who need to see a doctor outside standard surgery hours.

When to call 111

Call 999 for an ambulance if you experience any of the following:

Severe chest pain, especially with any of the following symptoms:

• breathlessness
• sweating
• pain travelling elsewhere such as either arm, neck, throat or jaw
• nausea and / or vomiting
• any loss of consciousness or complaining of feeling faint or light headed
• a history of heart disease
• suddenly feel generally unwell
• Sudden loss of consciousness or collapse at the time of the call
• New and persistent unresponsiveness
• Severe breathing difficulties – sudden onset or worsening
• Severe or uncontrollable bleeding
• Uncontrolled fits, especially in children
• Suspected allergic reaction, causing any of the above symptoms or swelling of the nose or mouth
• Sudden palpitations (‘fluttering of the heart’) ONLY IF accompanied by fainting or loss of consciousness

However, if you aren’t experiencing any of the above symptoms, but still need the urgent attention of a doctor and your surgery is closed, call NHS 111.

NHS 111 is the number to call when you need medical help fast but it’s not a life-threatening emergency. Calls to NHS 111 are FREE from landlines and mobiles and NHS 111 is available 24/7, every day of the year.

When to call 111

• 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.

Click here for some frequently asked questions about NHS111

Local Walk-In Centres

There are Primary Care Access Centres based at:

Ponteland Road Walk-In-Centre - Ponteland Road Health Centre; the Walk-in Service is for minor illness, minor injury and health promotion advice. It is available 08:00 to 20:00 every day of the year. As we close at 20:00, make sure you get here well before that time to avoid disappointment.

There are no booked appointments for the Walk-in Service. When you arrive, go to reception and say you have come to use the Walk-in Service. The receptionist will ask you to complete a form and then ask you to take a seat. Be sure to let her/him know if you feel your condition is too urgent to wait a few minutes.

Westgate Walk-In Centre – Old Newcastle General hospital; this is a nurse-led centre that offers minor injuries and illnesses. Westgate Road, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle NE4 6BE. Open from 08:00 – 20:00 7 days a week. Tel: 0191 2823000. www.newcastle-hospitals.org.uk/services/accident-emergency_westgate-walk-in-centre.aspx

Minor Injuries Unit – Royal Victoria Infirmary. The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU is based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). Minor Injuries Unit (next to A&E), Richardson Road, Newcastle, NE2 4AZ. Open from 08:00 – 21:00 7 days a week. Tel: 0191 2820531 www.newcaslte-hospitals.org.uk/services/accident-emergency_minor-injuries-unit.aspx

Out-of-hours services are generally busy so please think carefully before asking to see a doctor and only do so if you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.

In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.