If you need us, we are here - out-of-hours GP

Islanders are being encouraged to still ring their GP if needed over the festive period

Guernsey's out-of-hours GP service is reminding people it is open over the festive period for regular queries while other surgeries are closed.

It is part of a push to avoid overwhelming the Emergency Department during the holidays.

The out-of-hours service sees calls diverted from the usual surgery numbers to an on-call system provided by the island's three Primary Care Practices and based at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.

Dr Silvana McCaffrey, clinical lead for out-of-hours primary care, said: "We're here. If your surgery is closed, we are open."

She said: "If it's something you call your GP about, call us."

The service is open year round from 18:00 to 08:00 the following morning on weekdays and from midday on Saturday until 08:00 on Monday.

It also provides cover on Bank Holidays.

A telephone line is manned by the Emergency Department Receptionists, which diverts calls from someone's usual surgery.

Costs vary from £25 for all under-18 consultations, to £282 for a home visit between 23:00-08:00.

The GP out-of-hours service operates from the Outpatient Department

The types of appointments available are:

• Primary Care Centre appointments based at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital

• Emergency Department (A&E)

• Telephone Consultations

• Home visits for the housebound

The service has released a guide to how to access primary care when surgeries are closed

Dr McCaffrey explained what it can be like working on Christmas day: "Generally speaking, the atmosphere in the hospital is always very good at Christmas.

"We may be having a bit of toast in the kitchen in between things... but it's always an important time to be there.

"It is important to recognise the work being done."

The department has also advised islanders to prepare for the holiday season by:

• Making sure to obtain your regular prescriptions well before the holidays

• Ensure you have simple pain relief and dressings in your home

• If you are due for vaccinations arrange to have them