How SouthDoc works

Urgent GP care when your own surgery is closed

SouthDoc is the GP out-of-hours service for Cork and Kerry. One phone call is all it takes: a receptionist takes your details, a nurse calls you back, and together we arrange the right care.

What happens when you call

Call 0818 355 999 and our team will guide you from there.

1. A receptionist takes your details

The receptionist will ask for:

  • The patient’s name and date of birth
  • Where the patient is right now (home address or current location)
  • A phone number the triage nurse can call you back on
  • The name of the patient’s own GP
  • Medical card or GP visit card details, or how you will pay
  • A short summary of the symptoms

2. A triage nurse calls you back

The nurse calls from a private number, so please keep your phone free. They will ask about:

  • The symptoms and what they are like
  • When they started and where they are
  • What makes them better or worse
  • Past medical history
  • Allergies and current medicines

3. You get the right care

Depending on what the nurse finds, the outcome will be one of:

  • Nurse advice
  • Doctor advice
  • An appointment at a treatment centre
  • A home visit
  • Referral to the emergency services

A summary of your SouthDoc consultation is sent to your own GP the next morning.

Tips before you call

  • SouthDoc is appointment only. Please do not go to a treatment centre without being given an appointment by the nurse.
  • Keep your phone free after you call. The nurse rings back from a private number.
  • Have your medical card, GP visit card or payment details ready.
  • Tell us if you cannot travel. Home visits are arranged by the nurse where they are needed.
  • Daytime problems belong with your own GP. SouthDoc covers evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays only.

Opening hours

  • Monday – Friday: 18:00 – 08:00 (next day)
  • Saturday – Monday: 08:00 – 08:00
  • Public Holidays: 08:00 – 08:00
  • Daytime office (not for medical calls): Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, on 064 669 1974

Other ways we can help

Hearing and speech impaired SMS service

Registered patients who are deaf or have a speech impairment can contact SouthDoc by text message during our opening hours.

22 treatment centres

Centres across Cork and Kerry. If the nurse decides you need to be seen, you will be given an appointment at the centre nearest to you.

Fees and payment

Medical card and GP visit card holders are covered. Everyone else pays a consultation fee, which you can pay online.

Need a doctor tonight?

Call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999. A nurse will call you back and arrange the right care.