New out-of-hours health service adopts 0300 number

Date: 04/07/2011

A medical organisation in Wales has introduced a 0300 number and launched a new out-of-hours service.

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg health board's phone line will come into effect from 18:30 BST today (Monday July 4th) and will be available to those living in Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea, News Wales reports.

They will be charged a local rate from both landlines and mobile phones to contact the number at times when GP surgeries are closed.

This includes banks holidays and between the hours of 18:30 and 08:00 the following day.

Patients will have their enquiry dealt with by a call handler and may be offered self-help advice or an appointment at one of the three existing primary care centres in the region.

The number to call is 0330 123 9180.

Many doctors' surgeries are also being encouraged to adopt new 0300 numbers, as they are no longer permitted to charge patients to contact premium rate lines.