When the surgeries are closed in the evenings and at weekends / public holidays you may contact the 'Primary Care Out-of-Hours Team' on 111.
111 is the free, 24 hour service for patients. If you need medical help and it is not an emergency then call 111. This Hertfordshire based service will direct you to the right local health service for you – this could be your doctor, dentist, an out of hours doctor, a late opening pharmacist, community nurse, a Minor Injuries Unit or A&E.
This is the fastest way to get the right help – wherever you and whatever time.
- 111 will get you through to a team of highly-trained advisers supported by experienced nurses. You will be asked questions to assess your symptoms and then you will be directed to the right local service. If the 111 advisers think you need an ambulance they will arrange for one to be sent to you.
- Use 111 when you need medical help – when it is not a 999 emergency.
- Use 111 when you do not know who to call for medical help.
- Use 111 for health information and reassurance about what to do next.
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.
