When we are closed

The A&E department in the hospital should not be used for routine in hours or out of hours consultations, however for certain conditions listed below, you could go directly there. Trauma cases (especially severe life threatening injuries), severe burns, severe head injuries, metallic fragments in the eyes and nose and overdoses of medication or alcohol. Please also keep in mind the Minor Injury and Illness Service which may be able to help. They can be contacted on the number below.

We are happy to see you at the practice first to help guide which service you should be using. We can manage many suspected fractures by organising x-rays and provide a minor injury service at the practice.

If you need transport for hospital appointments this is now arranged through the East Anglia hospital transport service. Their general enquiry number is – Telephone – 0345 601 3733. In the case of emergencies you could dial 999 for their assistance.

You may contact them directly in emergency cases such as:

Acute chest pains (or shortness of breath) in a patient known to have a heart problem, possible stroke (changes to your speech, sudden and consistent lack of power in your arms or legs, epileptic fits, falls resulting in injuries to the elderly and any case of unconsciousness. The ambulance service may direct you to an alternative service including our Medical Centre or take you to an alternative health setting such as the City Care Centre.

This is a nurse led service provided for health advice and treatment of minor accidents and illnesses. This is also based at Peterborough City Hospital.

The service can be contacted on – 01733 678000

NHS 111

A medical telephone prioritisation and signposting service – is now available in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

NHS 111 has been introduced to help make it easier for residents to access local health services, advice and information. People living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can now call the telephone number 111 when in need of medical help fast, but it isn’t a 999 emergency. 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and calls from landlines and mobile phones are free.

When to use it

You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

You should call 111 if:

• it’s not a 999 emergency
• they think they need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service;
• they don’t think they can wait for an appointment with their GP; or
• they don’t know who to call for medical help.

For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, people should continue to call 999.

If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, continue to use that number.

How does it work?

111 will connect the caller to a team located in Peterborough of fully trained call advisers, who are supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. They will ask the caller questions to assess the symptoms, and give them the healthcare advice they need or direct the most appropriate and available local service.

Where possible, the NHS 111 team will book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to. If NHS 111 advisers think you need an ambulance they will arrange for one to be sent to you.

People living in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area should continue to call their GP for non-urgent medical advice.

The 111 service is being provided by Herts Urgent Care, an organisation that has a proven track record in providing the 111 service elsewhere. Calls to 111 are recorded. All calls and the records created are maintained securely, and will only be shared with others directly involved with your care.