Bel-Doc

[jennyjoan]

In Belfast here we have an emergency night-time medical call-in call centre Bel-Doc- I believe it is just one doctor on through the night - now I wonder what is the difference between going to him or A&E at night. Thanks for any answers.

[VHG]

>>>I wonder what is the difference between going to him....

Only male doctors eh !!

[ummmm]

Same as during the day. A&E is for emergencies...

[jennyjoan]

but then can you not go to A&E at night - at what right time would you make the decision to go to either

[jackthehat]

Go to A&E if it's an emergency......if it's not, don't!

[Sqad]

A&E is a misnomer and has been for decades.

One doctor for the whole of Belfast eh? A good service no doubt.

If it is not urgent, then wait until the morning but if you feel that it is urgent, then go to A&E

The NHS needs urgently to look into the funding and staffing of A&E as it is rapidly taking over the function of the GP.

[ummmm]

If your ailments can be dealt with by a doctor then go to the doctor.

[Mamyalynne]

I think a phone consultation with a Doctor can be helpful in deciding whether to leave something until morning.
Though I know many have been less than happy with the results of out of hours services.

A&E apart from obvious major accidents would be my choice for things like worrying chest pain, severe cut that needs sutures or similar or fractures - just to give a few examples.

[jennyjoan]

ummmm i am maybe talking about 3 am until 5 am - where would you go. Just in case - cos I am on my own I would like to know where to go if I took ill. god forbid.

[jennyjoan]

I did go to A&E one morning at 6.30 am with an emergency but wasn't seen to until 11 am. Bel-Doc would probably see you quicker than that i guess.

[Mamyalynne]

Maybe so but can they do ECGs or plaster bones, suture cuts?


You say 'took ill' - again if you had an upset stomach then ride it out but if you had severe excruciating stomach pains then call for help.

Being ill in the night is always more unsettling but we must make the decision , do we need intervention or not?

[Buenchico]

Details here:
http://www.belfasttrust.hscni.net/GPOutOfHours.htm

[nursenancy]

Depends on whether or not your problem is. A & E is for accidents and emergencies.

[Baldric]

Bel Doc, from Chris's Link

It is not a walk-in service, so you or your relative must first contact us by phone.

[jennyjoan]

at bald It is not a walk-in service, so you or your relative must first contact u?????????? by phone.


Are you connected.

[jennyjoan]

^^^^sorry at baldric

[ummmm]

You can't just turn up. You have to phone first.

[jennyjoan]

Ummmmm - I understand that - but when Baldric said US - I thought he worked there himself.

[ummmm]

He said it was from Chris's link.

[Baldric]

///Are you connected.///

No, of course I'm not, but I can read a Link when it's put in front of me!

See link ^^^ @ 13:07

[jennyjoan]

ok