The GP Out Of Hours (GPOOH) service in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde provides urgent care to patients when their regular GP service is closed. These services are designed to handle non-life-threatening medical issues that require attention outside regular working hours, such as evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Current GPOOH Service
The GP Out Of Hours service has been developed as an appointment-based model, that can be accessed by phoning NHS24 on 111.
This means we can help people get the right care in the right place.
Patients can access the GPOOH service in the evenings, overnight, across the whole weekend, and public holidays by contacting NHS 24 on 111.
If you require urgent non-life threatening care after your GP has closed you should phone NHS24 on 111.
Trained call handlers at NHS24 will assess your needs and if clinically appropriate will refer you to the GP Out of Hours service.
This new system also means that, where appropriate, patients can speak to a clinician over the phone or via a virtual consultation from the comfort of their own home, meaning they don’t have to travel to an urgent out of hours care centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GP Out of Hours?
The GP Out Of Hours service provides urgent primary care to patients outwith normal GP surgery hours. This includes evenings, weekends, and public holidays. This is accessed by calling NHS 24 on 111.
How do I access GP Out of Hours?
Patients can access the GPOOH service in the evenings, overnight and across the whole weekend and public holidays by contacting NHS 24 on 111.
Trained call handlers at NHS24 will assess the needs and if clinically appropriate will refer the patient to the GPOOH service.
This new system means that, where appropriate, patients can speak to a clinician over the phone or via a virtual consultation from the comfort of their own home, meaning they don’t have to travel to an urgent out of hours care centre.
Why do I have to phone NHS 24?
With all patients being channelled through NHS 24 as a first point of contact, we can ensure that people are directed to the most appropriate type of care within the right environment, at the right time.
We have a fully integrated a telephone triage system into the patient care pathway, meaning where appropriate, patients can speak to a clinician over the phone or via a virtual consultation and may not even have to travel to an urgent out of hours care centre.
Where are the GP Out of Hours Centres?
There are currently GP Out of Hours Centres at:
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital (Partial weekend cover and bank holiday.)
- New Victoria Hospital
- New Stobhill Hospital
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Vale of Leven (Lomond)
Will people have to travel further to attend GP Out of hours?
If you need a face-to-face appointment, you may be asked to attend a GP Out Of Hours centre outwith your local area. Those who need support travelling to a centre, patient transport can be arranged.
If you cannot travel, we also offer home visiting options.
What happens if you are not able to travel to attend an appointment?
If you cannot travel, we can also offer home visiting options and for those who need support to get to a centre and patient transport can be arranged.
Why can I not just turn up to be seen?
With all patients being channelled through NHS 24 as a first point of contact, we can ensure that people are directed to the most appropriate type of care within the right environment, at the right time.
We have a fully integrated a telephone triage system into the patient care pathway, meaning where appropriate, patients can speak to a clinician over the phone or via a virtual consultation and may not even have to travel to an urgent out of hours care centre. Over half of our consultations are now carried out remotely within your own home. This ensures you can be seen by the right clinical person for your care. Being seen in the home setting also reduces waiting times, travel time and infection control risks.
Is patient transport available to all patients?
Patient Transport is available to all patients. At time of arranging an appointment for a centre, the administrative staff will discuss travel arrangements to the centre for the patient. Any patients who indicate they don’t have transport means to travel to centre will be routinely offered patient transport. There is no charge for this service.
Can patient be accompanied on patient transport?
Carers can get the transport and child seats are also available and patient transport now includes accessibility for wheelchair users.
Is return transport to get patient home available?
Yes it is available both to and from the centre.