When the surgery is closed, If you need medical help but it is not an emergency call 111. NHS 111 is the number to call when you need medical help fast but it is not a life threatening emergency. Calls to NHS 111 are FREE from landlines and mobiles and NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
When to call 111
You should call 111 when:
- 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
When to call 999
Please do not misuse the 999 service.
Only call 999 for life threatening emergencies such as:
- major accident or trauma
- severe chest pain
- severe bleeding
- severe breathlessness
- loss of consciousness
Also, please do not go to A&E for minor illness, minor injuries, second opinions etc. A&E is for life threatening emergencies only. We have a doctor o call 08:00 – 18:00 every weekday who can advise. For out of hours, please ring 111 for advice.
During normal practice opening hours (08:00 – 18:00) always contact the practice first for advice, the practice should always be your first point of contact for all routine requests. We always have a doctor on call who can advise you.
Urgent care services in Sunderland are changing
Patients in Sunderland will be able to access NHS urgent care services more simply and closer to home after 1 August 2019.
From 1 August 2019, the best way to access NHS urgent care services will be to contact your GP practice or local pharmacy, or call NHS 111 when they are closed.
Urgent care is for minor injuries or illnesses which need medical attention the same day, but are not serious enough for the Emergency Department.
From 1 August 2019, these will be the main urgent care services for patients in Sunderland:
- GP practices – collectively providing extra appointments in evenings, weekends and bank holidays. These can be booked through your GP practice, at one of five locations around Sunderland, Washington and Houghton.
- Pharmacists – local pharmacists are highly trained and provide free, confidential advice on minor illnesses from sickness and diarrhoea to hay fever.
- Urgent care centres at Pallion or Bunny Hill health centres, open 10am-10pm Monday to Friday; 8am-10pm weekends and bank holidays, no appointment needed.
- NHS 111 – if you have an urgent need which is not life-threatening, NHS 111 health advisors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you get the right medical attention for your needs.
To find out more, please visit www.sunderlandccg.nhs.uk.
Please do not ask to see a doctor out of hours unless you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.