NHS 24

Introduction

NHS24 is your first point of contact if you need urgent medical attention or advice outwith normal surgery hours. From 26 October 2004 NHS 24 is the service which provides out of hours (OOH) cover for all patients in Lanarkshire.

Please note that in Coatbridge and Airdrie Wednesday afternoon is covered by a local co-operative, operating from Centenary Surgery itself. If you need urgent medical attention on Wednesday 12 noon till 6 pm the number to contact is 01236 423355.

What is NHS24?

NHS24 is a service set up by the Scottish Executive, in parallel with NHS Direct in England. When you call NHS24 a call handler will take your details, such as your name, where you are, who your doctor is, and the reason for your call. You may then be referred to a trained nurse adviser who may ask you relevant medical questions, and then decide whether you need to see a doctor. You may be asked to attend a Primary Care Centre (PCC), Accident/Emergency Centre, or you may be offered a home visit. Alternatively you may be advised to see your own GP during normal surgery hours. Complimentary transport may be arranged for you to take you to the nearest PCC. If your condition is deemed very serious by the NHS24 nurse an immediate ambulance may be ordered for you.

NHS24 as the name suggests, is also available during the day, in fact 24 hours a day. However during the day the service is confined to advice on general health matters only. NHS24 does not have the ability to make appointments for you, arrange day time home visits, or have any jurisdiction over how your own GP's surgery is run.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL NHS24 DURING NORMAL OPENING HOURS FOR ROUTINE SURGERY MATTERS, OR TRY TO GET AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT FOR CENTENARY SURGERY THROUGH THEM. NHS 24 IS NOT INTENDED AS A "SECOND OPINION" SERVICE.

How do I contact NHS24?

On 0845 4 24 24 24 You may be interested in their website which has a wealth of information on the services available, on www.nhs24.com

 

 

 

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