NHS Direct

NHS Direct is a 24 hour telephone helpline. This helpline is staffed by nurses who can help reassure you and give you telephone advice and health information. Anyone can ring NHS Direct, at any time, for health advice.

If you feel that there is something wrong with you or someone you are calling about, a NHS Direct Nurse will be able to help you and

•tell you whether the symptoms can be managed safely at home and advise you on what to do to treat yourself or the person you are worried about

•advise you if you do need to seek further help from a medical professional and direct you to the right service. In an emergency the nurse can also transfer you directly to the ambulance service.

NHS Direct is staffed by experienced nurses who are specially trained to give advice over the phone. They will ask you a series of questions, which will help them decide how serious your problem is.