In An Emergency
You should always call 999 in a life-threatening emergency - that is if someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk
Examples of life threatening emergencies may include;-
- chest pain
- difficulty in breathing
- unconsciousness
- severe loss of blood
- severe burns or scalds
- choking
- fitting or concussion
- drowning
- severe allergic reactions
In such cases you should not phone the surgery because this can delay emergency care reaching the patient and if you do phone us when the situation is life threatening, we would call 999
There are some exceptions to this. Patients who are terminally ill may not wish to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), some patients may have made advanced care directives, some may not wish to be admitted to hospital. In such cases that will usually be known to us and therefore you should phone the surgery in those circumstances.
If your problem is URGENT (not immediately life threatening) then you will be put through to speak to a doctor or, if not immediately available, the doctor will return your phone call within 20 minutes. If the doctor is going to call you back, please make sure we have the correct phone number and that your phone is not engaged.
