SOS.

	Who do I need? What will happen?
			What number do I ring?
			The telephone number you need to ring if you require out-of-hours GP care is: NHS Direct Wales - 0845 850 1362 Calls are charged at Local rate. If you forget or misplace this number then just phone your normal surgery number. Out of normal hours the above number will be provided via an answer machine message.

			What will happen when I ring?
			Your call will be answered by a call handler who will ask you for some details (your name, address and telephone number for example) and why you need to contact the GP Out of Hours Service. You may be put through to a nurse straight away or you may be called back.

			What will I be asked?
			It is important that the nurse has all the health information about you before giving advice.The nurse will ask: How you are feeling? What you have done to make yourself feel better? What medications you are taking? If you have any existing illness? The nurse will ask the same questions about the patient if you are calling on behalf of someone else. The information given will help the nurse assess what help and treatment you need.

			Where will I be seen?
			The nurse will assess your case and direct you to the most appropriate service, this may include: A+E department 999 Ambulance Dental Practitioner Your own surgery when it next opens The GP Out of Hours Service. If it is felt you require input from the GP Out of Hours Service your details will be forwarded to S.O.S. by NHS Direct Wales. You will be contacted by a GP from S.O.S. who will discuss your case further or you may be invited to attend the Primary Care Centre in Singelton Hospital and given an appointment time.

			Can the Doctor come and visit me?
			If you are too ill to attend the Primary Care Centre or have a medical condition that prevents this then a Doctor may decide that a home visit is necessary. Only the Doctor will decide if this is necessary and it is usually only in exceptional circumstances that this will take place.
			Copyright 2006 Swansea Out of Hours Service (S.O.S.)