The GP out of hours service in Northern Ireland is available for individuals requiring urgent medical care outside of regular doctor's practice hours. This service is primarily intended for terminally ill individuals, very sick children, and frail elderly individuals. Dental out of hours service, on the other hand, is specifically for dental emergencies like pain, swelling, or bleeding.

You should not use the out of hours service for repeat prescriptions, dental problems, or minor ailments that can be treated by a pharmacist.

The GP out of hours service operates from 6.00 pm on weekdays until the next morning when your GP practice reopens, and it is available 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. To access this service, you should call first, and a doctor or nurse will assess your condition, provide advice over the phone, decide if you need to see a doctor, or refer you to another service.

In life-threatening situations such as a suspected heart attack or stroke, dial 999 immediately for an ambulance.

The contact information for out of hours services in different areas of Northern Ireland is provided in the text.

Additionally, there is a crisis response helpline called Lifeline available across Northern Ireland for individuals in distress or despair. The number is 0808 808 8000.

The dental out of hours service is specifically for dental emergencies such as trauma, swelling, uncontrollable bleeding, and severe pain. It does not cover denture repairs or the restoration of lost crowns or bridges, and there may be charges for dental treatment.

For specific clinic opening hours and information on charges, individuals are directed to an external link for out of hours emergency dental treatment.

Lastly, there is a video available that explains when to use the GP out of hours service in Northern Ireland.

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