GP out of hours service

When you mustn't use the out of hours service

You don't use the GP out of hours service for:

• repeat prescriptions
• dental problems
• minor ailments that a pharmacist can treat

Using the out of hours service

GP out of hours is available if you need urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed.

GP out of hours services are:

• 6.00 pm on week days until your GP surgery opens the next morning
• 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday
• 24 hours on public holidays

You should telephone the out of hours service first. The doctor or nurse will assess you and:

• give you advice by telephone
• decide if you need to see a doctor
• refer you to another service

If your condition is life-threatening, for example, a suspected heart attack or stroke, telephone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Contact out of hours service in your area

Help for people in distress or despair

Lifeline is a crisis response free helpline available across Northern Ireland. It offers immediate help by telephone all day, every day if you or someone you know is in distress or despair.

If you or someone you know needs help now, you can contact Lifeline in confidence.

• telephone number: 0808 808 8000
• Mental health emergency - if you're in crisis or despair

Dental out of hours service

The dental out of hours service is for dental emergencies only including:

• trauma
• swelling
• uncontrollable bleeding
• severe pain

These dental clinics don't repair dentures or restore lost crowns or bridges. You may need to pay for dental treatment.

For clinic opening hours and information about when charges apply, go to:

• Out of hours emergency dental treatment

GP out of hours service video

The video explains when to use the GP out of hours service in Northern Ireland.