Getting sick outside normal GP hours can be frustrating, particularly when you are unsure whether your symptoms can wait until the next morning. A fever may develop in the evening, an infection may become more uncomfortable overnight, or you may suddenly develop vomiting, diarrhoea or another health concern when your usual medical practice is closed.
Knowing what to do when this happens can help you choose an appropriate level of care. After-hours doctors can assess many non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries when your regular GP is unavailable, while serious or life-threatening conditions require emergency medical attention.
First, Assess How Serious Your Symptoms Are
The first step is to consider how you are feeling and whether your symptoms are getting worse.
If your symptoms are mild, stable and improving, you may be able to rest at home, maintain adequate fluids and contact your regular GP when the practice reopens.
However, you should consider seeking medical advice sooner if:
- Your symptoms are worsening
- You are experiencing significant or persistent pain
- You cannot keep fluids down
- You have developed a new or concerning symptom
- You have sustained an injury requiring assessment
- You are concerned that your condition cannot safely wait until morning
If you are uncertain about the seriousness of your symptoms, seeking professional medical advice is preferable to relying solely on online information.
What Conditions Can Be Managed After Hours?
Many common illnesses and minor injuries can be assessed outside regular GP hours.
Examples include:
- Fever and flu-like symptoms
- Sore throat
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Minor skin infections
- Mild allergic reactions without breathing difficulty
- Minor cuts and wounds
- Sprains and strains
- Minor burns
- Sporting injuries
- Some workplace injuries
An after-hours doctor’s service does not mean every condition will be treated in the same way. Your doctor will assess your individual symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of care.
What Can You Do at Home While Waiting for Medical Advice?
For mild symptoms, supportive care may be appropriate while you decide whether you need medical attention.
Depending on your symptoms, this may include:
- Getting adequate rest
- Drinking fluids regularly
- Eating when you feel able to do so
- Avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms
- Monitoring whether your condition is improving or deteriorating
Be cautious about taking medicines based solely on general online advice. Medication may not be suitable for everyone, particularly children, older adults, pregnant people or those taking other medicines.
If you’re unsure whether a medicine is appropriate for you, speak with a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
When Should You See an After-Hours GP?
An after-hours GP may be appropriate when your condition needs medical assessment but is not an emergency.
For example, you may seek after-hours care if:
- Your regular GP is closed
- Symptoms are becoming worse
- You need assessment for a minor injury
- You have developed symptoms that concern you
- You need medical advice before your regular GP becomes available
- Waiting until the next appointment may cause unnecessary discomfort or delay
The doctor can assess your condition and determine whether you can safely continue treatment at home or require further medical care.
What Happens During an After-Hours Appointment?
The consultation will generally involve a discussion about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a clinical assessment where appropriate.
Your doctor may:
- Ask when your symptoms started
- Review your relevant medical history
- Check your medications and allergies
- Perform a physical examination
- Assess the severity of your condition
- Recommend appropriate treatment
- Arrange pathology or imaging if clinically indicated
- Provide a referral if specialist or hospital care is required
- Recommend follow-up with your regular GP
Treatment decisions are based on your individual clinical circumstances. A consultation does not automatically result in a prescription or particular treatment.
Can After-Hours Doctors Provide Prescriptions?
Where clinically appropriate, a GP may prescribe medication following an assessment.
The type of treatment recommended will depend on the diagnosis or suspected cause of your symptoms, your medical history and other relevant factors.
Some medicines may have restrictions or may not be appropriate for particular patients. A doctor will determine whether prescribing is clinically justified.
What If You Need an X-Ray or Other Test?
Some after-hours clinics have access to pathology and medical imaging services.
If your symptoms or injury require further investigation, your doctor may arrange an appropriate test or referral.
For example, imaging may be considered when assessing certain injuries where a fracture or other structural problem needs to be investigated.
Testing is not automatically required and should be determined by the treating clinician.
When Should You Go to an Emergency Department?
Some symptoms should not wait for an after-hours GP appointment.
Call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department if you experience:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Signs of stroke
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Serious head injuries
- Major trauma
- Severe burns
- Anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction
- Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Emergency departments are equipped to provide immediate care for serious and life-threatening conditions.
What If You Are Unsure Where to Go?
It is understandable to be uncertain about the right healthcare option, especially when symptoms develop at night or during a weekend.
A useful distinction is:
Mild and improving:
Consider home care and follow-up with your regular GP.
Needs medical attention but isn’t life-threatening:
An after-hours GP may be appropriate.
Severe, rapidly worsening or potentially life-threatening:
Seek emergency medical care immediately.
If you are unsure, contact an appropriate health advice service or healthcare professional for guidance.
Don’t Ignore Concerning Symptoms Because Your GP Is Closed
Your regular GP remains important for ongoing healthcare, but you don’t necessarily need to wait until the next business day when a health concern requires attention.
After-hours doctors provide an option for assessing suitable non-emergency illnesses and injuries outside standard clinic hours. GP After Hours Subiaco provides after-hours medical care from Australian-trained, vocationally registered GPs, with access to pathology and imaging where clinically appropriate and communication with your regular GP to support continuity of care.
Important: This article provides general health information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest emergency department.