NHS 24 will provide out of hours mental health support to Dumfries and Galloway

The national NHS 24 Mental Health Hub will provide mental health crisis advice and support to people across Dumfries and Galloway from Monday 29 June.

Anyone who urgently needs help or advice on mental health issues should contact their GP practice – or, if it’s outside working hours, phone NHS 24 on 111. If they already receive NHS mental health care, they should contact the relevant team during working hours. After hours, they should call NHS 24 instead of the local crisis team.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway mental health unscheduled care service manager David Ruddick says: “NHS 24 already provides out-of-hours cover for physical health – this brings mental health provision to the same standard.  NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub acts as a central point of contact for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or needing urgent advice in Scotland. Staffed by trained professionals, the Hub operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring consistent support is available at any time.

“When someone calls NHS 24, they are assessed and guided towards the most appropriate treatment or support pathway, which may include specialist mental health services, local crisis teams, or other healthcare providers. The Hub’s resources allow it to ensure callers receive reliable, timely assistance.”

By assessing callers and connecting them to the right help, NHS 24 helps streamline access to mental health support, making the process more efficient and accessible for people across Scotland.

David Ruddick says: “The NHS Dumfries and Galloway crisis mental health team is not going away. They will continue to provide mental health support to everyone in the region who needs it.

“But it’s important that in opening hours people contact their GP practice rather than trying to reach the crisis team directly. At nights and weekends people should contact NHS 24 by calling 111 for that initial contact – anyone who calls the crisis team will be advised to call their GP or NHS 24 instead. If you require further assessment or treatment, you’ll receive it locally.”