‘Don’t contact us for routine matters that can wait until your GP surgery is open’
NEDOC Christmas opening hours confirmed as service says its experiencing an unprecedented level of demand
The North East Doctor on Call (NEDOC) urgent out of hours GP service has advised the public not to contact them for routine matters that can wait until your GP surgery is open.
“WE have been experiencing an unprecedented level of demand over the past few weeks,” says operations manager, Arlene Fitzsimons.
“NEDOC is an urgent service, it is not a routine replacement for your own daytime GP. If patients have routine issues, they should make an appointment with their own daytime GP who is best placed to manage their long-term health. However, patients with urgent medical concerns that arise when their own GP surgery is closed should contact NEDOC on 1800 777 911. In the event of an emergency or if your situation deteriorates, you should contact the emergency services immediately on 112 or 999.”
“The NEDOC service is not a walk-in service. It is by appointment only for those who are seriously unwell. Patients should also remember that GP surgeries will be open as normal until Friday 23rd December, and again from Wednesday 28th - Friday 30th 2022 inclusive. Patients should check the opening times of their own GP surgery.”
NEDOC’s arrangements for Christmas 2022 are as follows: From 6pm Friday, 23rd December to 8am Wednesday, 28th December, from 6pm Wednesday, 28th December to 8am Thursday, 29th December, from 6pm Thursday, 29th December to 8am Friday, 30th December and from 6pm Friday, 30th December to 8am Tuesday, 3rd January 2023.
“The NEDOC service has already seen significant increases in patient demand since mid-November, and have seen the highest level of calls to the service since we started in recent weeks, leading to longer waiting times for patients calls to be answered.
"We anticipate that this Christmas season, with a four-day Christmas (24th-27th) and three-day New Year (31st/12 -2nd/1), to be busier than ever and this higher demand from patients will create delays getting through to the service at peak times or in waiting for a call back from a triage nurse, and again longer waiting times for an appointment
NEDOC advises patients who may need regular prescriptions to get them filled by their own surgery in advance of Christmas; people are advised to check their first aid boxes are well stocked to treat minor ailments at home without having to contact NEDOC, patients should also check the HSE website www.undertheweather.ie for useful advice on common illnesses like colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats.
"In terms of advanced care planning, if you are caring for someone that is terminally ill, please have medicines that are recommended by your Palliative Care team or GP for situations that could arise.
“NEDOC should be contacted in the case of children whose condition deteriorates following home measures or who are very lethargic or experiencing difficulties.