Operating between the hours of 6.30pm to 8.00am on weekdays and around the clock at weekends and bank holidays, NDUC offers a GP service for people who need to see a doctor outside standard surgery hours in the following areas:

• Northumberland
• North Tyneside
• South Tyneside
• Newcastle upon Tyne

If you live in any of the above areas and need to see a doctor in the evening or over the weekend, call 0845 60 80 320.

When to call Northern Doctors Urgent Care

Call 999 for an ambulance if you experience any of the following:

• Severe chest pain, especially with any of the following symptoms:
  • breathlessness
  • sweating
  • pain travelling elsewhere such as either arm, neck, throat or jaw
  • nausea and / or vomiting
  • any loss of consciousness or complaining of feeling faint or light headed
  • a history of heart disease
  • suddenly feel generally unwell
• Sudden loss of consciousness or collapse at the time of the call
• New and persistent unresponsiveness
• Severe breathing difficulties – sudden onset or worsening
• Severe or uncontrollable bleeding
• Uncontrolled fits, especially in children
• Suspected allergic reaction, causing any of the above symptoms or swelling of the nose or mouth
• Sudden palpitations (‘fluttering of the heart’) ONLY IF accompanied by fainting or loss of consciousness

However, if you aren’t experiencing any of the above symptoms, but still need the urgent attention of a doctor and your surgery is closed, call NDUC on 0845 60 80 320.

What happens when you call?

When you call NDUC a trained call handler will take down details of you and your symptoms. This is very important as it helps us determine the appropriate level of care for your symptoms.

As a patient, you will normally receive a call back from a GP on average within five minutes of speaking to one of NDUC’s operators if your symptoms are considered urgent. The doctor will discuss your condition over the phone and decide what course of action is needed for the next stage of your treatment. It is very useful to have all medication with you when the doctor calls back so you can give him the details. It is also very helpful if you could keep your line clear while you are waiting for the doctor to call back. 

Your care may include a visit to one of NDUC’s Urgent Care Centres, which are conveniently placed within the areas they cover. See Urgent Care Centre Locations to find your nearest centre.

In special circumstances, you may be offered the assistance of the North East Ambulance Service’s Patient Transport Service to get there.

Depending on your condition and mobility NDUC can arrange for a doctor to carry out a home visit. Home visits are very expensive in terms of doctor’s time. A doctor can see three or four patients in an Urgent Care Centre in the time it takes to travel to one patient at home. It does help us if you can travel to an Urgent Care Centre instead of needing a home visit.

If after calling NDUC should your symptoms change or worsen whilst you are waiting for the doctor to contact or visit you, please call us back immediately on 0845 60 80 320.