Out Of Hours

1.

What do I do if I need to see a Doctor out of hours?

Outside of regular surgery hours, medical cover is provided by SOUTHDOC. All the doctors at Elmwood participate in SOUTHDOC. When you ring the practice after the surgery is closed, details of how to contact SOUTHDOC and the times the service is available will be given to you via a recorded message.

The number to call for SOUTHDOC is 1850 335 999

2.

What is the procedure when I phone Southdoc?

Your call will be answered by a member of staff from the Southdoc base and you will be asked to give details of the patient and a contact phone number. If you have a medical card you will be asked for the number and expiry date.

This information will then be passed to a Triage Nurse who will ring you back as soon as is possible. The Nurse will gather all the relevant medical information and make an assessment which will lead to one of the following:

The next available appointment will be offered for the patient to attend a doctor at the Southdoc centre nearest to you

For patients who are seriously ill or suffer from lack of mobility, a house call will be offered

If the details given suggest a minor medical problem, the Nurse will give advice to the patient/guardian

The Southdoc office will forward details of your phone call and subsequent consultation to the doctor whom the patient has nominated at the earliest opportunity. In most cases this information will be faxed to your GP early the following morning.

3.

What is Southdoc's Payment Policy?

Payments should be made at the reception desk once the consultation is finished. If you are a medical card holder it is essential that you bring a valid medical card with you as otherwise you will be charged for the service provided.

Southdoc do not accept payment by Laser or Credit Card but payment can be made by either cash or cheque.

4.

Where are Southdoc Located?

The Southside base for Southdoc is located just off the Kinsale Road Roundabout, (take the signposted exit for Turners Cross) in the South Ring Retail Park where Smyths Toys are located. The premises can be found at the rear of the retail park.