CAV 24/7 is a new and innovative approach to how patients access urgent care, the main message being: phone first for urgent and out of hours care.
Traditionally patients have been able to access Emergency Unit and services by walking in and the “phone first” system replaces this. Patients will be encouraged to phone ahead first, and if appropriate will be given an appointment slot saving them precious time and also NHS resources.
This new approach is a response to COVID-19 and to ensure services remain safe while staff can practise social distancing, meaning that the Emergency Unit will not become overcrowded while patients wait safely in their own home for an appointment.
The CAV 24/7 number is also for those who wish to speak to the Urgent Primary Care Out of Hours service if they believe their condition cannot wait until their GP practice is next open. The Urgent Primary Care Out of Hours service operates during the times when your GP practice is closed:
Read our frequently asked questions page to find out more.
Help us to spread the word
It is important that as many people as possible are made aware of and understand our new approach to how patients access urgent care. Please help us to communicate this by sharing our downloadable graphics, which include a range of example scenarios outlining the service people can expect to receive when calling CAV 24/7.
