The NoWDOC GP Out of Hours Service has published its arrangements for Christmas 2020 by the HSE. NoWDOC provides urgent out-of-hours GP care for patients of participating practices in Donegal and south Leitrim. The service operates when surgeries close in the evening and over the course of weekends and public holidays.
The NoWDOC Service Manager, Ms Deirdre Moy outlined how the service operates and what services will be in place over the Christmas holiday period.
The treatment centres are located in Letterkenny, Carndonagh, Mountcharles, Derrybeg and Carrick-on-Shannon
Letterkenny and Inishowen GPs will operate their own surgeries on Saturday morning (2nd January) up to 12 midday and thereafter patients in the Letterkenny and Inishowen areas should contact NoWDOC.
This year with a 4-day Christmas (25th-28th) and 3-day New Year (1st-3rd) Ms Moy reminded all patients and service users that waiting times may be longer than normal. She also advised that patients and service users should ensure that prescriptions and medicines are arranged with their own GP and pharmacy before the holiday period commences.
The service is not a substitute for the Emergency Ambulance Service who is the appropriate service to deal with medical emergencies where they arise.
“All consultations in the NoWDOC service are by appointment only and the location of the centre which the patient will attend is agreed in advance with the patient during the process,” Ms Moy said.
Christmas & New Year Opening Hours
Thursday, 24th December – 18:00 through to Tuesday, 29th December at 08:00am
Tuesday 29th December – 18:00 to 08:00am Wednesday 30th December
Wednesday, 30th December – 18:00 to 08:00 Thursday 31st December
Thursday, 31st December – 18:00 through to Monday, 4th January at 08:00am
NoWDOC opening hours in each of our centres will operate as normal outside of the holiday periods as set out above.
Meanwhile, HSE Covid-19 testing centres remain open daily over the Christmas and New Year period. The GP assessment and test for Covid-19 are both free of charge.
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