To expect NHS Direct number not to be engaged for 28 hours and counting?

[QueenArseClangers]

Our OOH doctor's number has changed so we now have to ring up 111 to be transferred.
I've been trying to get through since yesterday 3pm

Fuck's sake.

So much for #staywellthiswinter

There is no NHS Direct number anymore, do you mean 111?

The OP said that..

Can you just turn up at your nearest out of hours centre?

Sorry just read the OP properly - you did mean 111

Whereabouts are you in the country? It was expected that today was going to be the busiest day (I have insider knowledge for one region )

Yep, 111.

Not long ago there was a direct number for our local OOH clinic. Much easier.

We don't have a walk in, it's appointment only!

Is there a walk in centre locally? Possibly closed by now but should be open tomorrow if you still can't get through (assuming it's non urgent)

If your number has recently switched (I.e. in the last couple of months) then I am guessing you are in the area I work in.

No advice about getting through unfortunately

Does it divert locally? I've spoken to 111 three times today, we have really short call waiting times - it took maybe two minutes the first time to get through, and it's been pretty instant since then.

They are excellent at triaging for the OOH and walk-in centres, and you get an appointment which means you're not waiting around for hours.

I'm in the NW near Bolton.
I have a condition that needs pain meds which, through a mix up, have gone missing (long story)

Are these regular meds you get from the same pharmacy every time, and is that pharmacy open? If so, they may be happy to give you a few days supply.

All I can say is persevere, however frustrating it is. Wish I could help more but I know it was always going to be ridiculously busy today and they have staffed up as much as they possibly could.

It is the same area as the one i work for. Unfortunately my remote access isn't working on my work laptop otherwise I could check the current performance stats which would give an indication of how quickly they are currently answering calls at the moment.

Wish I could help you more

That's just awful I've always found them excellent and answer in minutes. Wouldn't you be better off getting help elsewhere - a&he/ohh hospital/ pharmacy?

I work in Bolton and regularly have to phone NHS111, they often take a while to answer, but I have never had an engaged tone - I think you will just need to keep trying.

You may also be able to get an emergency supply which you will be charged for (depending on what medication you need and if you can prove you get them on repeat).

There are several pharmacies in Bolton this evening - Let me know if you need to know which ones and I will PM you the details.

If you're in the nw I'd assume they're a bit busy at the moment, what with the flooding and stuff. Can you wait until Tuesday and get a telephone appointment with your normal gp?

Not sure if it's different trusts or not but I phoned for my mum yesterday about 4 and only took a few minutes to get through. From phoning till we walk out of doctors office was less then 2 hours was really shocked it was that quite.

We don't have things like walk-in centres here either. There is an MIU locally, but they will only see actual minor injuries without an appointment (sprained ankle, broken finger, whiplash etc. etc.) not other illnesses.

If you are ill you can phone 111, speak to someone and be given an appointment with a Dr at the same MIU. If you can't get through to 111 you either suffer until you can or you go to the proper A&E at the next town along.

It often seems to be assumed that everyone has access to walk-in centres on MN. Lots of us don't.

Bolton closed the walk in centre a few years ago - not a great move in my opinion, but they were very persuasive when putting their case forward.

There's a walk in centre in Leigh. Depending on how far into Bolton you are it could be an option

If your in Bolton, can you get to Leighton infirmary? I've not checked times because I'm rushing about but that was always my dps go-to place for emergency doctors if an injury/illness wasn't a&e worthy. Hope you're feeling better soon op

X post with hurr1cane

Leigh* not Leighton. Bloody autocorrect plus trying to put a reindeer face in my hair! Sorry! yes, I mean reindeer face, that's not an auto correct!

111 had 200 calls queuing earlier today
Does lever chambers still open in Bolton?

Any help?

http://www.boltonft.nhs.uk/services/gp-out-of-hours/

http://bardoc.co.uk/services-for-patients/