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Call your GP: It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3

Call your GP: It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3

Canterbury District Health Board is encouraging people to call their family doctor when they are unwell.

It’s not widely known, but when you call your usual General Practice team number after-hours, a registered nurse will answer your call, no matter what time of night or early hours of the morning.

Dr Phil Schroeder, Canterbury Primary Response Group, says the nurses provide a fantastic service.

A phone call to your usual GP after-hours can save time and you’ll receive advice and reassurance about the level of care required. It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3,” Dr Schroeder says.

“Nurses will reassure or advise on care at home if that’s appropriate and if your need is greater, they’ll direct you to the nearest after-hours medical service, or the emergency department if that’s where you should be.”

Each time a patient uses the afterhours nurse service their GP will receive a summary report the following day, which helps with continuity of care, he says.

“Calling your GP is a fast and effective way of getting health care. It’s also part of making sure people get the right care, in the right place at the right time. Saving patients’ time is good for everyone,” Dr Schroeder says.

“However, it’s also important to remember that in the event of an emergency people should still call 111.”

ENDS

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