When We Are Closed
NHS 111
Outside of normal surgery hours emergency medical cover is provided by NHS 111.
111 is a telephone number to make it easier for you to access local health services. You should use the number when it is not a 999 emergency but when you need medical help fast. Calls to 111 are free from landlines and open 24 hours a day.
A triage nurse will assess your situation and take appropriate action. This could simply be by offering advice or where necessary by making arrangements for you to be seen by a doctor.
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.
More information about 111 can be found at www.nhs.uk/111
In a genuine emergency you should call 999. An emergency care need is something which is life or limb threatening. This can include things like choking, severe bleeding, chest pains, shortness of breath and blacking out.
Urgent and Emergency Care Centre
The Walk-in Centre at Rotherham Community Health Centre, Greasborough Road, Rotherham is now closed and the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre based at Rotherham Hospital is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
What is an emergency or urgent care need?
An urgent care need is something which needs immediate care but isn’t life or limb threatening such as broken bones, burns and scalds, wounds and minor illnesses including fever, infections and rashes.
If people are unsure of where to go, there are a range of healthcare professionals who are able to advise the best course of treatment including pharmacists, GPs and the NHS 111 service.
Pharmacy First
If you need non – urgent medical advice you can also use the Pharmacy First scheme:
Many pharmacies are open early until late and on weekends and bank holidays. You don’t need an appointment, and can just pop in and get expert medical help from a qualified healthcare professional. Most pharmacies now have a private consultation area where you can discuss your issues and concerns without being overheard.
Many of Rotherham GPs and community pharmacies are part of the Pharmacy First scheme which enables you to get medication direct from the pharmacist without a prescription. Plus if you don’t normally pay prescription charges you can get medicine supplied under the scheme FREE OF CHARGE. For a list of pharmacies in the scheme visit: www.rotherhamccg.nhs.uk/pharmacy-first.htm