Department of Health and Social Care
The Department of Health and Social Care's out-of-hours media enquiries line is dedicated to handling urgent press matters outside standard business hours. This service is specifically for media representatives who need immediate assistance with health-related news and updates. Typical reasons for calling include urgent press releases or updates during public health events. While specific wait times are not provided, callers may experience delays during major events. It's best to call outside of peak times, such as during significant health announcements, to ensure a quicker response.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Handle urgent media enquiries
- Provide press updates
- Facilitate urgent press releases
- Connect with on-call press officer
- Report urgent health news
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Name
- Media outlet
- Contact details
- Nature of enquiry
Known issues
Occasional long wait times are reported for urgent out-of-hours media enquiries, particularly during major public health events. This can lead to delays in receiving timely responses. To mitigate this, it's recommended to clearly state the urgency of your enquiry and provide all necessary details upfront. If you experience extended delays, a follow-up call may be necessary to ensure your enquiry is addressed promptly. Always have your contact information ready to facilitate a quicker response from the on-call press officer.
