Department of Health and Social Care
The Department of Health and Social Care's Media Enquiries line is dedicated to handling press and media requests. This service provides official statements and coordinates interviews with DHSC representatives. It operates Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:30, with an alternate number available for out-of-hours enquiries. Calls are prioritized during breaking news or major health events. Typical wait times can vary, but calling mid-morning on Tuesday or Wednesday may result in faster responses. Out-of-hours calls are managed by a duty press officer, ensuring continuous support for urgent media matters.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Handle press requests
- Provide official statements
- Coordinate interviews
- Submit media enquiries
- Request urgent out-of-hours support
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
- Nature of enquiry
- Contact details
- Preferred spokesperson
- Interview topic
Known issues
Callers occasionally experience long wait times, especially on Mondays and Fridays. To avoid this, try calling mid-morning on Tuesday or Wednesday. For out-of-hours media requests, use the alternate number 0333 320 1654, though response times may be slower. Ensuring you have all necessary information ready, such as your name, media outlet, and nature of enquiry, can help streamline the process. This preparation is crucial for both regular and urgent requests, ensuring efficient handling of your enquiry.
