What should I do if I have toothache when the Surgery is closed?

Our practices belong to Emergency Out-of-Hours schemes, run respectively from Ashington (for the Cramlington Practice) and Newcastle upon Tyne (for the Gosforth Practice). These schemes offer cover for when the Practices are closed, that is, from 6pm to 8am weekdays, all day weekends and Bank holidays. Telephone the Practice and you will hear a message from our answering machine which provides the number to be telephoned in an emergency. This number is currently the NHS Direct number 0845 4647. A trained operator will take you through a sequence of questions to ascertain the nature and severity of the emergency and if necessary, she will arrange for the duty dentist to telephone you back to discuss the problem.

Please note the following important points;

1. NHS charges apply at all times if you are not exempt.
2. You will be expected to travel to the Treatment Centre (at Ashington or Newcastle), the service does not come to you nor will you be seen at the Practice.
3. The dentist will make a decision as to whether or not to see you, not NHS Direct.
4. Our Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne practice does offer emergency treatment directly from ourselves under Private contract only. Telephone the Gosforth practice (0191 285 4182) to obtain the mobile number of the dentist on duty. A standard minimum turnout fee of £65 operates (dependent of the time of day) and any treatment costs are charged privately on top of that.

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