When We Are Closed
If you are ill when the surgery is closed, there are a number of different ways you can get help.
When to call 999
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you or someone you know needs immediate help
- you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency.
When to call 999
Adults – call 999 or go to A&E now for any of these:
- signs of a heart attack
chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest
- signs of a stroke
face dropping on one side, cannot hold both arms up, difficulty speaking
- sudden confusion (delirium)
cannot be sure of own name or age
- suicide attempt
by taking something or self-harming
- severe difficulty breathing
not being able to get words out, choking or gasping
- choking
on liquids or solids right now
- heavy bleeding
spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle
- severe injuries
after a serious accident or assault
seizure (fit)
shaking or jerking because of a fit, or unconscious (cannot be woken up)
sudden, rapid swelling
of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a BSL video call to 999.
Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay.
Children – call 999 or take your child to A&E now for any of these:
- seizure (fit)
shaking or jerking because of a fit, or unconscious (cannot be woken up)
- choking
on liquids or solids right now
- difficulty breathing
making grunting noises or sucking their stomach in under their ribcage
- unable to stay awake
cannot keep their eyes open for more than a few seconds
- blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, tongue or lips
on brown or black skin, grey or blue palms or soles of the feet
- limp and floppy
their head falls to the side, backwards or forwards
- heavy bleeding
spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle
- severe injuries
after a serious accident or assault
- signs of a stroke
face dropping on one side, cannot hold both arms up, difficulty speaking
- sudden rapid swelling
of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
- sudden confusion
agitation, odd behaviour or non-stop crying
British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a BSL video call to 999.
Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay.
If you cannot call 999 for any reason
To get to A&E safely you should:
- get someone to drive you
- bring any medicines you take regularly with you, if you can
- take a mobile phone in case you need to call 999 on the way
NHS 111
If you need medical help but it is not an emergency call 111. This is the number you call when you need medical help fast but it is not a life threatening emergency. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact them on 111 and calls are free from mobiles and land lines.
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.
NHS 111 Frequently Asked Questions
Accident and Emergency
Royal Victoria Infirmary telephone 0191 2336161
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.
Local Community Pharmacist
Pharmacists can give you advice about common symptoms and medicines.
NHS Walk-In Centres
At Walk-In Centres, you can be seen for minor injuries such as coughs, colds, flu, cuts, sprains, minor burns and broken bones. At most centres you do not need to make an appointment but it is advisable to telephone in advance to check that you can be treated – particularly for young children.
Our local walk-in centres are:
- Westgate Road, Newcastle – open 08:00 – 20:00, 7 days a week. Telephone 0191 2823000
- Molineux Street, Byker - open 08:00 – 20:00, 7 days a week. Telephone 0191 2755862
- Ponteland Road Health Centre, Newcastle – open 08:00 – 20:00, 7 days a week. Telephone 0191 2719030
Find Urgent Care Services