WestCall

When you call NHS 111, they may direct you to a WestCall GP Out of Hours service for advice over the phone, or to arrange a face-to-face appointment either at one of our Primary Care Centres or a home visit.

Support could include:

• How to manage your condition if you don’t need to see a doctor immediately
• A visit to one of our clinics at West Berkshire Community Hospital (WBCH) or Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH), if travelling isn't a risk. You will be given a time to attend, this is an arrival time and not an appointment time. We aim to see patients in order or priority. We ask that you bring no more that one person with you to the appointment, as space is limited.  

• A home visit from one of our clinicians if clinically appropriate and you’re not able to travel
• An emergency ambulance to take you to a local hospital

On 31 January 2024 the pharmacy first service was launched, meaning depending on your age you can now visit without a GP appointment, for seven common conditions, including:

• Earaches in children (1 to 17 years old)
• Infected insect bites (1 year and over)
• Impetigo (1 year and over)
• Shingles  (18 years and over)
• Sore throat  (5 years and over)
• Sinusitis (12 years and over)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women 16 to 64 years

In some cases, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised or who have recurring problems may not be eligible for treatment at a pharmacy.

Watch the NHS Pharmacy First Service - What can your local community pharmacy offer video on YouTube (new browser tab)

You can access our service if:

• You’re registered with a GP practice in the Berkshire West area (including Newbury, Hungerford, Thatcham, Pangbourne, Lambourn, Tilehurst and Calcot)
• You’re in temporary residence in the Berkshire West area
• You need urgent treatment while travelling through the Berkshire West area

We’re here to provide urgent treatment. If you need to talk about routine treatments, repeat prescriptions or recurrent/non-urgent conditions, please visit your local GP during normal hours. 

Using British Sign Language

If you’re unable to hear or use sign language, you can contact NHS 111 through the British Sign Language (BSL) service between 8am and midnight or by textphone

Textphone 18001 111

West Berkshire Community Hospital (WBCH)

London Road
Thatcham
RG18 3AS

Parking is available for a charge at both of our sites.

There is currently free parking at at West Berkshire Community Hospital (WBCH) at weekends.  

See our WBCH service page for address details (new browser tab)

Find WBCH on Bing maps (new browser tab)

Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH)

Visit the RBH website (new browser tab)

Find RBH WestCall on Bing maps (new browser tab)