MEMBERS of the public are being urged to ask their GP about their out-of-hours GP arrangements for when the practice is closed over the Christmas and New Year period.
Flu and other seasonal illnesses are expected to peak over the holiday period.
Many local GPs are now also providing extra hours to combat the high level of illness which is currently being experienced.
Out-of-hours GP services provide urgent medical care when a patient’s own GP surgery is closed. Patients who need care outside normal surgery hours should in the first instance contact their own GP practice, which will direct them to the appropriate out-of-hours service.
In the Mid West region, there are two out-of-hours GP service providers, Shannondoc and Limerick Doc.
Shannondoc will provide urgent out-of-hours GP care over the holiday season and can be contacted on 0818 123 500 and on 061 459 500.
Limerick Doc will provide urgent out-of-hours GP care over the holiday season and can be contacted on 087 755 1570
GP out-of-hours services operate from 6pm-8am Monday to Thursday and from 6pm on Friday through to 8am on Mondays. These services operate 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and on public holidays, including on Christmas Day.
Dr Margie Lynch, medical director of Shannondoc, said: “If you need urgent medical help and your GP is off duty, please contact your local out-of-hours service. Your GP surgery will guide you to your out-of-hours service.”
For emergencies like chest pain, severe injuries, or breathing difficulties, call 999 or go directly to your nearest emergency department,” Dr Lynch said.