If you're new to Norway, the out-of-hours clinic – the legevakt – can be confusing. Many people call it when they should have called their GP, and some wait for their GP when they should have gone to the legevakt. Here's what Drammen's legevakt actually does, what it doesn't, and how to use the number 116 117 correctly.
First, how Norwegian primary care fits together
Norway's health system rests on the GP scheme (fastlegeordningen). Almost everyone registered as a resident is assigned a personal GP – your fastlege – who is your first point of contact for anything not life-threatening. On top of that sits the legevakt: a municipal out-of-hours urgent care service for when GP surgeries are closed. And above both, the ambulance emergency number 113 for life-threatening situations. If you haven't chosen a GP yet, start here: New to Drammen? How to find a GP.
The main rule: GP first, legevakt when it can't wait
Your GP is your main way into the health system, so you should always contact your GP first during opening hours. The legevakt steps in when the GP surgery is closed – evenings, nights and weekends – or when you need medical help quickly and your GP isn't available. This is the principle both Helsenorge and Drammen municipality follow.
What the legevakt does
The legevakt handles conditions that are acute but not life-threatening, and that can't wait until your GP opens. According to Drammen municipality and Helsenorge, typical reasons to make contact include:
- A high fever that won't come down
- Sudden, severe pain
- Acute illness that is getting rapidly worse
- New breathing difficulties
- Cuts, fractures and other acute injuries
- Needing a doctor while travelling, away from your own GP
The legevakt also helps people who are only in the area temporarily. If you're visiting the Drammen region and become acutely ill, you can use the legevakt even if your GP is registered elsewhere. This matters especially in summer, when many GP surgeries run reduced staffing or close for parts of the holiday period.
What the legevakt doesn't do
Just as important is knowing what the legevakt is not for. It is an urgent-care service – not a substitute for your GP. The following belong with your GP, not the legevakt:
- Prescription renewals. Repeat medicines are renewed by your GP, often via Helsenorge or an e-consultation.
- Sick notes for known conditions. Sick leave and follow-up of ongoing illness are your GP's job.
- Referrals to specialists. Planned referrals are written by the GP who knows your history.
- Follow-up of chronic illness. Monitoring long-term conditions belongs in a continuous doctor–patient relationship.
- New, non-urgent symptoms. Complaints that have lasted a while and can wait a few days are for your GP.
The reason is both practical and clinical. The doctor at the legevakt doesn't know you, has limited access to your records, and must prioritise those with acute needs. A GP who knows you over time gives better, safer follow-up for anything that isn't urgent – one of the strongest arguments for having a GP you're happy with.
Drammen legevakt – practical information
Drammen's legevakt is inter-municipal and serves residents of Drammen, Lier and Nordre Holmestrand (formerly Sande). The essentials:
- Phone: 116 117 (national out-of-hours number, around the clock)
- Address: Rosenkrantzgata 17, 3018 Drammen
- Opening hours: every day, 24 hours
- Patient fee: you pay a standard fee (egenandel) unless you have an exemption card (frikort). Children under 16 pay nothing.
A small local note: Drammen legevakt sits at Rosenkrantzgata 17 – the same street as Hotvet legesenter at Rosenkrantzgata 75, in central Drammen. When you go to the legevakt, it helps to bring a list of your regular medicines, the name of your GP, ID, and your frikort if you have one.
Call 116 117 before you turn up
Even though the legevakt is open around the clock, you should call 116 117 before going there. When you dial the six-digit number, you reach the out-of-hours centre for the area you're in. A nurse assesses the situation, gives advice, and decides whether you should come in, wait for your GP to open, or whether something else is more urgent. This saves you unnecessary waiting and ensures the sickest are seen first.
In summer, both GP surgeries and people are away travelling. Save 116 117 in your phone before the holidays and note your GP's name. Then you're prepared if someone in the family becomes acutely ill away from home.
When to call 113 instead
The legevakt is for acute problems that are not life-threatening. In life-threatening situations you call 113 – not the legevakt. Drammen municipality asks you to call 113 for accidents, serious events, and symptoms such as:
- Sudden weakness in the face or arm, or unexplained loss of balance
- Sudden slurred speech or trouble finding words
- Unconsciousness or reduced consciousness
- Chest pain lasting more than five minutes, unexpected chest discomfort, general unwellness and nausea
Call 113. For acute illness or injury that is not life-threatening, call the legevakt on 116 117. If in doubt, call – the staff will help you judge how serious it is. English is widely spoken by Norwegian health staff.
In short
Your GP is the place for the planned and the non-urgent: prescriptions, referrals, sick notes and follow-up over time. The legevakt is for acute problems that can't wait until the surgery opens. And 113 is for the life-threatening. Knowing the difference gets you the right help faster – and helps Drammen's legevakt prioritise those who need it most.
Looking for a GP in Drammen?
Hotvet legesenter at Rosenkrantzgata 75 in central Drammen is open and has spaces on our lists. A regular doctor who knows you over time is the best starting point for everything that isn't urgent.
See available GP spotsThis article gives general information and does not replace individual assessment. If you're unsure about your health, talk to your doctor – or call 116 117 outside your GP's hours and 113 for life-threatening symptoms.