This way to see the Doctor ...

FAMILY doctors in Newhaven, Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs are changing the way calls are dealt with when their surgeries are closed in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Nov 2002, 15:30 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:39 BST

From Monday, the South East Kent and East Sussex Doctors on Call (SEADOC) co-operative, which the local GPs are part of, will be working with NHS Direct, the 24-hour health helpline.

Patients of GPs in Newhaven, Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs will be able to access the 'out of hours' service by calling the number given on their surgery's answerphone.

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When a patient rings the NHS Direct number they will either be given the advice or information they need, or transferred to a specially trained and experienced nurse who, depending on the circumstances, will either:

advise the patient how the situation can be handled or to make an appointment with their own GP

arrange for the patient to talk to, or be seen, by an on-call doctor

advise the patient to go to their nearest hospital casualty department

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arrange for an ambulance to be sent directly to the patient if urgent medical attention is needed.

Dr Ian Bayles, SEADOC's local medical manager, said: 'Patients can be assured this new scheme will help them get the right advice and treatment they need at the right time.'

Related topics:PatientsNewhavenPeacehaven