Dr D A Ware · Dr G V Price · Dr J A Crane · Dr G A Preest· Dr O Thomas
On October 4th 2004, the out of hours service changed. The surgery will be open from 08:00am until 18:30 each weekday. However, the out of hours service has changed and there is no longer a surgery in Llanharan and Pencoed on Saturday mornings. The surgery will close at 18:30 on Friday and will not reopen until 08:00 on Monday morning. At times when the surgery is closed, the Local Health Board will take responsibility for out of hours care and cover will be provided by an organisation called "Primecare". You will be given a number to phone out of hours but if asked to see a Doctor, you may be asked to attend a different centre in Bridgend. In fact, TEEMS ceased to exist on 4th October 2004 and all out of hours is now provided by the Primecare.
What to do out of hours:
 |
If you need medical advice call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 |
|
If you have severe injury such as difficulty breathing, chest pains, severe bleeding or suspected broken bones you should call 999 |
|
For urgent medical attention that cannot wait until the surgery reopens, call 0845 6011186 |
It is your responsibility to use this service sensibly and enable the medical services to deal with genuine emergencies effectively.
The following information has been provided by Bridgend Local Health Board:
What are out of hours services?
Out of hours services are the non-emergency health services provided when your GP surgery is closed in the evening, at night and on weekends. They are for patients who need to see a doctor urgently and who cannot wait until the next day.
The out of hours service will operate during the following times:
Monday – Thursday 6.30 pm – 8.00 am
Weekends 6.30 pm Friday until
8.00am Monday
The service will also be available on Bank Holidays.
Your surgery will no longer be open on Saturday mornings.
The Out of Hours Service is not designed for the request/collection of repeat prescriptions. Please contact your GP surgery during normal opening hours to arrange this.
How do I contact the out of hours service?
From 4 October 2004, telephone your surgery number where you will hear an answer phone message giving you a number to call. You should only contact the Out of Hours Service if you have an urgent medical problem that cannot wait until your surgery opens.
What will happen when I call?
Primecare’s trained call handler will answer your call and take some personal details and basic information about the problem you are calling about. They may need to ask you about any medical conditions you have and it would be helpful if you could provide details of any medication you are taking. They will advise you on the most appropriate level of care or offer you an appointment at our local Primary Care Centre. Both Typetalk and Language Line services are available to patients.
How will I get to the Primary Care Centre?
If you need face to face medical attention you may be offered an appointment at the local Primary Care Centre. Whenever possible it is preferable to see patients at the centre where there is immediate access to medical equipment and medication and where clinical assessments can be made more effectively. You will be expected to make your own way to the Primary Care Centre, however transport may be provided for people with access difficulties in exceptional circumstances.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ATTENDANCE AT THE CENTRE IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
What about home visits?
A home visit will only be made if it is considered necessary by a health care professional. Visits will occur in order of clinical priority.
Additional help available to you out of hours
NHS Direct Wales 0845 4647 Health advice and information over the telephone.
NHS Direct Wales is a confidential telephone service. You can ring for nurse advice if you are feeling ill and are unsure what to do, or for health information on particular conditions such as diabetes and allergies. NHS Direct Wales can also tell you where to find your nearest doctor, pharmacist, dentist or support group. You can call NHS Direct at any time of the day or night.
Accidents and Emergencies (A&E)
A&E is not an alternative to your GP. Don’t go to A&E simply because your doctor cannot see you straight away. Using A&E and 999 services for minor problems will prevent others with life threatening conditions from getting immediate care.
If you have a severe injury or a serious accident you should dial 999
You can go to your local Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at Princess of Wales Hospital if you have:
|
Sustained an injury in the last 2 days |
|
An acute illness, i.e. onset in the last 24 hours, that may need admission to hospital |
|
Sudden onset of breathing difficulty or chest pain |
|
Acute onset of pain that is not helped by simple pain killers |
Translations
This document will be made available on request in Braille, large print and on audiocassette. Telephone Bridgend Local Health Board on 01656 754400, Minicom: 01656 754498 or e-mail: contact.us@bridgendlhb.wales.nhs.uk for a copy.
The information contained on this site is general information which is not in any way intended to replace the specific advice that patients may obtain from their own doctor about individual care.