NHS Direct
www.nhs.uk or NHS Direct 0845 46 47
For internet information on all aspects of health and health care, go to www.nhs.uk. It allows you to check your symptoms, check hundreds of conditions and treatments and find telephone numbers and addresses for most NHS organisations, including hospitals and GPs.
For confidential health advice and information around the clock, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
What is NHS Direct?
NHS Direct is a phone service which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer expert health advice, information and reassurance to anyone who needs it.
NHS Direct also provides a wealth of information and self care advice online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
When you call NHS Direct, they will ask you to provide some basic information, including details of any medication you may be taking. If you're calling on behalf of someone else, you'll need to provide this information on their behalf.
They will assess your problem and advise you on the best course of action. If you're feeling unwell at the time of your call, you may be told how you can look after yourself at home, or you may be recommend to see a pharmacist.
If it's something more serious, you may be advised to see another health professional, such as your doctor. If the problem is very serious, NHS Direct can help you to access the ambulance service.
Whatever the problem, NHS Direct are on hand to give you the help and reassurance you need.
What they offer:
- Information on local health services and support organisations
- Advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Information about illnesses, conditions, tests, treatments and operations
- Complex enquiries about medication, e.g. interactions, overdosing, poisoning, etc
- Information in response to national and local health scares, e.g. swine flu
Why should I use NHS Direct?
Many conditions can often be treated at home with a little bit of self-care. Phoning NHS Direct instead of visiting your doctor or going to hospital is not only a convenient way for you to get the advice you need as quickly and effortlessly as possible, but ensures that other NHS services are available for those who really need them.