If you need medical help or advice between the hours of 6 pm in the evening and 8 am in the mornings, or at weekends, you should telephone NHS24 (08454 242424). You will speak first to a call handler who will direct you to either an experienced nurse for assessment or a Health Information Advisor for information. The nurse will assess the situation and advise on what you should do next. The nurse may explain how you can look after yourself at home, or they may forward you to the next level of care.

If you would like more information about how this service operates, see NHS 24s website (www.nhs24.co.uk).