Support for patients who are receiving end of life (palliative) care is available via NHS 111 out of normal GP practice opening hours (evenings, weekends, and bank holidays).

When to contact NHS 111

If you develop new or worsening symptoms, or you are directed to by a healthcare professional, call 111 to get the support you need.  When prompted, press option 2 for a palliative care need.

A trained health advisor will ask for the following information to help find the patient’s record:

• Name
• Date of birth
• GP surgery
• Current location, address, and telephone number (so 111 can call back)
• Current problems or concerns

After taking this information, the advisor will attempt to transfer the call to a clinician.  If that is not possible, the clinician will aim to call back within 10 minutes.

The clinician will undertake a telephone consultation and agree with the caller an appropriate care package or referral, which could include transfer to a GP, community nurse or home management.

Thsi information has been provided by NHS Devon alongside out-of-hours telephone call handler Practice Plus Group (PPG).