Emergency Medical Services in Berlin: Extended Opening Hours During Christmas and New Year Holidays
Berlin (dpa/bb) – Medical assistance will be readily available in Berlin during the upcoming Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve. The KV emergency clinics for adults and children will operate with extended hours from December 24th to January 1st, ensuring residents have access to necessary care.
KV Emergency Clinics: Detailed Opening Hours
Most KV emergency clinics will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM during this period. However, there are specific exceptions:
- December 29th and 30th: Emergency clinics for children and adolescents will be closed.
- December 29th and 30th: Emergency clinics for adults will have slightly shorter hours, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
These details are provided on the website of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KV) Berlin. By utilizing these emergency clinics for non-life-threatening conditions, insured individuals can help alleviate the burden on hospital emergency rooms.
Berlin hosts six KV emergency clinics for adults and five for children and adolescents, strategically located across the city to provide accessible care.
The Medical On-Call Service: Always Available via 116117
For round-the-clock, free telephone medical advice, the medical on-call service can be reached by dialing 116 117. It is important to note that during peak holiday periods, longer waiting times may occur.
When to Call 116117?
The KV Berlin provides a clear guideline for when to use the 116 117 service:
“The rule of thumb is: If you have an illness for which you would normally see a registered doctor in a practice, but treatment cannot wait until the next day for medical reasons, then the Medical On-Call Service is responsible.”
This includes conditions such as influenza, fever, or vomiting. For genuine emergencies and life-threatening situations, always call the emergency services at 112.
Key Information at a Glance:
| Service | Availability | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KV Emergency Clinics (Adults) | Dec 24 – Jan 1 | Visit website for locations | Dec 29-30: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| KV Emergency Clinics (Children/Adolescents) | Dec 24 – Jan 1 (except Dec 29-30) | Visit website for locations | Closed Dec 29-30 |
| Medical On-Call Service | 24/7 | 116 117 | Telephone advice for non-life-threatening conditions; possible longer waiting times during holidays. |
| Emergency Services | 24/7 | 112 | For life-threatening emergencies only. |
We encourage all Berlin residents to familiarize themselves with these services to ensure timely and appropriate medical care during the festive season.
Source: https://berliner-abendblatt.de/berlin-news/notdienstpraxen-an-feiertagen-und-zwischen-den-jahren-offen-id317790
