Please note this survey is now closed, if you would still like to share your experience of the GP Out of Hours service please email us at Public.Involvement@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or you can share your experience on Care Opinion.
We are committed to delivering high quality healthcare services that meet the needs of our people and communities.
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.
Background
In February 2020, NHSGGC reduced the number of centres the GP Out of Hours service was provided from to help stabilise the service because of significant unplanned closures.
The move allowed the service to develop a sustainable model that took account of wider changes in healthcare due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a move from face to face to initial remote and virtual appointments where appropriate.
These changes occurred during a period of major transformation when the NHS had to adapt rapidly to meet the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic. Significant changes were implemented in a very short period to disrupt community transmission of COVID-19, including a move to a digital first approach to patient consultation.
In February 2020, the GP Out of Hours service faced difficulties in covering shifts across all GP Out of Hours Centres, which meant that the service faced unplanned closures. The number of centres was temporarily reduced to maintain the service and make it more stable and sustainable. Since then, GP Out of Hours has developed the service helping it move to a more stable, appointment-based model, accessed by calling NHS24 on 111. This means we can help people get the right care in the right place.
Current GPOOH Service
The GP Out of Hours service has developed with ongoing patient engagement during the past 3 years helping it move to a more stable, appointment-based model, accessed by calling 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 and 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.
Feedback from those who have used the service
We have continued to evolve and test the development of the service with extensive feedback from patients using the service. In the most recent feedback, 87% of people responding rated their care as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ with 93% of respondents also stating the service met their needs.
Ways to get involved
Please note this survey is now closed, if you would still like to share your experience of the GP Out of Hours service please email us at Public.Involvement@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or you can share your experience on Care Opinion.
Public Engagement Drop in Sessions
Public drop in sessions 2023
- 18th October, 4.00pm to 6.00pm – Broomhill Community Hub, 46 Mearns St, Greenock PA15 4QD
- 20th October, 2.00pm to 4.00pm – Inverkip Community Hub, Kip Park Main Street, Greenock PA16 0FZ
- 7th November, 3.00pm to 5.00pm – Coppermine Community Centre, 1 Kirn Dr, Gourock PA19 1SS
- 14th November, 5.00pm to 7.00pm – Boglestone Community Centre, Dubbs Rd, Port Glasgow PA14 5UD
- 23rd October 10.00am – 12.00pm – Springburn Health Centre pop up engagement event
- 2nd November 10.00am – 12.00pm – Parkhead Health Centre pop up engagement event
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What is GP Out of Hours?
The GP Out of Hours service in NHSGGC provides urgent primary care to patients out with normal GP surgery hours, in evenings, at weekends and during 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. If you cannot travel, we can also offer home visiting options, and for those who need support to get to a centre, patient transport can be arranged.
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.