When the surgery is closed there is always an emergency doctor available. Usually the doctor on-call will be from the deputising service, Essex Emergency Care Services, which is contracted by South West Essex PCT to provide an emergency out-of-hours service.

The emergency doctor can be contacted by ringing the surgery number 01277 218393. Your call will be re-directed automatically. Please allow time for the telephone to be answered.

This is an emergency out-of-hours service and we would seek your help in making sure that it is only used for emergencies and not for consultations, which should be dealt with in surgery by appointment.

Please be considerate when making calls at night or at weekends so that the emergency doctor is not occupied unnecessarily - one day it might be you or one of your family who really needs the doctor in a hurry.

NHS DIRECT 0845 46 47

If you require medical advice when the surgery is closed you should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647. This easy access phone service for health information and advice is available 24 hours a day. Also available on line at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

In a serious emergency dial 999.