The NHS Direct

NHS Direct operates a 24-hour nurse advice and health information service, providing confidential information on:

• What to do if you or your family are feeling ill; 
  
• Particular health conditions; 
  
• Local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies. 
  
• Self help and support organisations.
  

NHS Direct works hand in hand with other healthcare services provided by the NHS, helping you make the right choice to meet your needs. Calls to NHS Direct are charged at local rates and for patient's safety, all calls are recorded.

If you need health information or advice at any time of the day or night - call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit the NHS Direct Website.

How do you use the Telephone service?
Call the NHS Direct telephone service on 0845 4647. You will be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and to describe the nature of your call.

If you need advice about a health problem, you are asked if you are calling for yourself or on behalf of someone else and are required to explain:

• What the symptoms are, how they affect you/the person and when they began;
  
• What you/the person have tried already; 
  
• Any drugs you/the person are already taking; 
  
• Any existing medical conditions; 
  
• Anything else you think is relevant.
  

NHS Direct nurses will use their skills and experience, together with a comprehensive computer system, to advise you on the most appropriate course of action to take.

With the right advice and information, lots of non-serious health problems can be treated at home or following a visit to your local pharmacist. If the problem is more serious, you may need to see your doctor or go to hospital. Whatever the problem, the NHS Direct nurse will listen to the symptoms you describe and advise you what to do for the best. If your problem is very serious, they will connect you to the ambulance service.

NHS Direct staff can also provide information on a wide range of healthcare topics – from helping you to find out more about diagnosed conditions and treatments to giving details of local health services.