Out of hours and emergencies

Out of hours and emergencies

Out-of-hours care

Out-of-hours is defined as weeknights from 6.30pm to 8.00am, weekends from 6.30pm on Friday to 8.00am on Monday and Bank Holidays until 8.00am the next morning.

Outside surgery hours, call the usual surgery number and listen to the message - it will tell you how to contact the out-of-hours service. If you need to see a doctor and are able to travel by car, you may be asked to attend their clinic. If you are too unwell to travel, a doctor or paramedic may visit your home according to your medical needs.

Extended Access appointments

We are increasing the number of appointments available for you to see a GP in the early mornings, evenings or at weekends across West Leicestershire.

Depending on your individual circumstances and symptoms, we may offer you an 'extended access' appointment. Please note however, that these appointments will not be in your usual GP practice and may not be with one of your usual GPs or nurses.

Depending on the reason for your appointment, and if you are in agreement, it may be suitable for you to see an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, instead of a GP.

The clinician you see will be able to access relevant sections of your medical notes and will communicate what has happened during your appointment back to your usual GP practice.

These appointments will be available at the following locations:

  • Loughborough Urgent Care Centre at Loughborough Community Hospital
  • Coalville Community Hospital
  • Hinckley and Bosworth Community Hospital

If you would like to know more please speak to a member of practice staff.

NHS 111 - for urgent medical concerns

NHS 111 is much more than a helpline - if you're worried about an urgent medical concern, you can call 111 to speak to a fully trained adviser.

Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or even a GP, and can arrange face-to-face appointments if they think you need one.

NHS 111 advisers can also assess if you need an ambulance and send one immediately if necessary.

If you're worried about an urgent medical concern, call 111 and speak to a fully trained adviser. For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist.

Visit the NHS111 website for more information.

When to dial 999: Life-threatening emergencies

Call 999 in a medical emergency - when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Medical emergencies can include:

  • loss of consciousness
  • an acute confused state
  • fits that are not stopping
  • persistent, severe chest pain
  • breathing difficulties
  • severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • severe allergic reactions
  • severe burns or scalds

Call 999 immediately if you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke. Every second counts with these conditions.

Also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma. Major trauma is often the result of a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from height, or a serious head injury.