When we are closed
Wherever possible, please contact us during opening hours. This is the only time when any health staff have access to your GP medical records. The practice does not provide any out of hours care (nights, weekends and bank holidays) but other services are available, including:
NHS Direct
This is a 24-hour telephone advice service staffed by specially trained nurses every day of the year. Phone 0845 46 47 or visit the NHS Direct website.
Out of hours medical service
The Go To Doc 'out of hours medical service' is available when the practice is closed and offers advice and treatment from nurses and GPs. They may suggest:
- advice on the telephone
- that you attend at an 'Out of Hours Centre' - the nearest to the practice is based in Manchester Royal Infirmary
- a home visit (only if necessary).
If you phone the practice when we are closed you will hear our answering machine. You will hear a message which tells you about NHS Direct and then gives the number for out of hours medical help. We recommend that you always ring the practice number first, in case there is any temporary change to the arrangements. You can call Go To Doc direct on 0161 336 3252.
For further information on this service, which is provided under contract to Manchester Primary Care Trust, see: www.gotodoc.co.uk
Accident and Emergency (A&E) department
If you have an accident or medical emergency, you should call 999 and ask for an 'ambulance'. Ambulance staff provide emergency care on location and, if necessary, take people to the hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department (also called the 'Casualty' department).
- A&E is only for injuries and serious problems requiring immediate treatment. If you have an accident or emergency you should go there. Otherwise, please try another source of help.
- A&E departments are always busy so expect to wait for several hours for treatment.
- The nearest A&E department to the practice is at Manchester Royal Infirmary. The entrance to A&E is near to Upper Brook Street. View map.
For further information, please see the NHS Direct website for details on the Ambulance Service and What is a serious medical emergency or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Walk-in centres
- NHS Walk-in centres provide advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses (coughs, colds, infections) and minor injuries (strains, sprains, cuts).
- Many centres are open from early morning to late evening, seven days a week.
- The centres are run by experienced NHS nurses.
- No appointment is needed.
For further information on the nearest Walk-in centre, see the NHS website: Service search. There are walk-in centres in Piccadilly, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Ancoats Clinic and Withington.
Pharmacists
- Pharmacists (chemist shops) can provide advice and treatment for a wide variety of medical problems.
- Many pharmacists are open longer hours than the surgery.
- Pharmacists are highly trained professionals that can provide advice on a wide range of problems.
- They can be particularly hepful for advice about colds, flu, sore throats, ear ache or coughs.
- They can also advise on regular medication and ways to stop smoking.
For further information on your nearest pharmacies, see the NHS website: Service search.
The Robert Darbishire Practice and The University of Manchester are not responsible for the content of external internet sites.