IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY OUTSIDE NORMAL HOURS
PLEASE PHONE
DALRIADA
ON - 02825663500
....................................
In the case of an emergency, Collapse,
Significant shortness of Breath or Acute Chest pain
Please Dial 999
.........................................
TRIAGE UPDATE - WHY THE RECEPTIONISTS REQUIRE DETAILED INFORMATION – AUGUST 2025
Providing accurate and detailed information with the help of our reception team is crucial to ensure you get the care you need, safely and efficiently.
Why Detailed Information Matters
Ensures the Right Care, First Time
The more detail you give about your symptoms or concerns, the easier it is for clinicians to assess urgency and direct you to the most appropriate professional—without unnecessary delays.
Improves Patient Safety
Full descriptions help clinicians spot potential "red flags" early, prioritising urgent cases and reducing risks.
Reduces Waiting Times
Clear information upfront speeds up processing, reduces follow-up calls, and helps appointments go to those most in need—minimising waiting for everyone.
Avoids Unnecessary Appointments
Sometimes issues can be managed with advice or prescriptions alone. Good information helps determine whether an in-person visit is necessary
Triage - Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t give enough information or provide photos?
The practice may need to contact you for more details, which can delay your care and may mean you wait longer for an appointment or advice.
What if I’m not sure what to say?
Do your best to describe your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, anything that makes them better or worse, and any other relevant details. If a receptionist is helping, they will guide you with questions.
Why do receptionists ask about my problem?
Receptionists are trained to collect information needed for triage. This helps the clinical team prioritise and direct your care safely and efficiently.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. All details you provide are treated in strict confidence and only shared with staff involved in your care
Providing as much relevant information as possible
helps you get the right care, at the right time, from the right person,
while keeping you and others safe and making the best use of NHS resources
SHINGLES TREATMENT
IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE SHINGLES
YOU CAN NO GO TO THE FOLLOWING PHARMACIES FOR TREATMENT:
BOOTS ABBEYCENTRE
BOOTS CARRICKFERGUS
MERVILLE PHARMACY
......................................................
EMAIL SERVICES
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN NOW REQUEST THE FOLLOWING VIA EMAIL ALSO
1. A CONTINUATION SICK LINE
2. A MAT B1 FORM(EDC)
3. A PRIVATE REFERRAL
4. ACCESS TO YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
5. CHANGE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS
6. ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
7. ARRANGE TREATMENT ROOM AND PRACTICE NURSE APPOINTMENTS
(NB THIS SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR GP APPOINTMENTS)
TRIAGE GUIDELINES - 11/12/23
Unfortunately, at times, the practice may be understaffed due to staff sickness or holidays.
On these occasions we may have to restrict the number of triage calls
In the event of this:- the following action will be taken
"The practice is currently experiencing unmanageable demand for urgent care. Taking account of our patients’ and practice team’s safety and the availability of other options for patient care we are not able to see any more patients today.
We are sorry for this inconvenience, which is beyond our control.
If you have an urgent medical problem that you believe cannot wait please phone through on the emergency line.
Thank you for your understanding
IF YOU REQUIRE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE GP, PLEASE TELEPHONE BETWEEN 8.30 - 10.00 A.M.
IF YOU REQUIRE A HOME VISIT, PLEASE TELEPHONE BETWEEN 8.30 - 10.00 A.M.
ABOVE HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF THERE ARE STAFF SHORTAGES
DAILY UPDATES WILL BE AVAILABLE HERE
PRESCRIPTIONS UPDATE
IF YOU NEED TO ORDER A PRESCRIPTION PLEASE CALL THE SURGERY ON: 02890364048
AND NOMINATE A CHEMIST OF YOUR CHOICE.
ALL PRESCRIPTIONS WILL THEN BE SENT TO YOUR CHOSEN CHEMIST
PLEASE ALLOW 24-48 FOR THE PHARMACY TO COLLECT YOUR PRESCRIPTION, PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SURGERY TO CHECK IF YOUR PRESCRIPTION HAS BEEN COLLECTED, UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY
.........................................
THE PHARMACY FIRST SCHEME IS NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR PHARMACY
PLEASE SEE HOME PAGE FOR CONDITIONS
ASK YOUR PHARMACIST FIRST FOR FREE CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE AND TREATMENT
SAVE TIME AND AVOID WAITING TO SEE YOUR GP- 17/01/2022
..........................................
APPOINTMENTS
IF YOU REQUIRE AN URGENT APPOINTMENT PLEASE PHONE
PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE SURGERY
If you are very unwell please
inform the receptionist
at the beginning of your call.
IF YOU DEVELOP A RASH PLEASE PHONE RECEPTION
ON:
02890364048 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
HELP US TO HELP YOU!
PLEASE ENSURE WE HAVE AN UP-TO-DATE MOBILE TELEPHONE NUMBER.
OR VIA 24 HOUR PHONE LINE - 02890364048
IF YOU REQUIRE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE GP, PLEASE TELEPHONE BETWEEN 8.30 - 10.00 A.M.
IF YOU REQUIRE A HOME VISIT, PLEASE TELEPHONE BETWEEN 8.30 - 10.00 A.M.
......................................................
TEST RESULTS
PLEASE DO NOT CALL TO CHECK TEST RESULTS, THE GP WILL CONTACT YOU IF THERE IS ANY ABNORMALITY
CERVICAL SCREENING
LADIES AGED 25-65, IF YOU REQUIRE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING CERVICAL SCREENING:
Community Resources 2 booklet now available under: Our Services
………………………………………………………………………………………….
DO YOU SUFFER FROM RHEUMATOID ARTHTITIS?
PLEASE FIND ADVICE HERE:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
EMERGENCIES OUTSIDE NORMAL HOURS
Outside of normal surgery hours please call Dalriada Urgent Care on 028 2566 3500
if you require urgent medical assistance