Out-of-hours service
Out-of-hours service
Out-of-hours service (pronunciation: /ˌaʊt əv ˈaʊərz ˈsɜːrvɪs/) refers to the provision of healthcare services outside of the standard working hours, typically during evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Etymology
The term "out-of-hours" is derived from the phrase "out of office hours," which refers to the time period when an office or service is typically closed. The term "service" is derived from the Old English word "sērvice," meaning the act of providing a service or assistance.
Definition
Out-of-hours service is a critical component of the healthcare system, providing necessary medical care to patients when regular healthcare facilities are closed. These services are often provided by general practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are on call during these periods.
Related Terms
- Emergency department: The section of a hospital responsible for the provision of medical and surgical care to patients arriving at the hospital in need of immediate care.
- Walk-in clinic: A type of clinic in which patients can walk-in with no advance appointment.
- Urgent care: A category of walk-in clinic focused on the delivery of ambulatory care in a dedicated medical facility outside of a traditional emergency department.
- Primary care: Health care provided by physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who are generally the first contact for patients.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Out-of-hours service
- Wikipedia's article - Out-of-hours service
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