NHS direct

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NHS Direct

The government has set up NHS Direct to provide easy access to medical information so that GP practices can concentrate on treating" The government has set up NHS Direct to provide easy access to medical information so that GP practices can concentrate on treating, and preventing illness. It provides information on:-
    What to do if you're feeling ill
    Health concerns for you and your family
    Local health services
    Self-help and support organisations

The local rate number is 0845 4647

NHS Direct is a nurse led service to make medical advice available to everyone 24 hours a day.

No longer do you have to think "Is this serious enough to trouble the doctor with". If you want medical advice about a problem you can get it there and then.

Often you will get information that the problem is not serious and can be ignored.

Or you may be told what you can safely take to treat it yourself.

Or you may be told what else to look out for and see your doctor if further symptoms occur.

Alternatively you might be told to see a doctor the next week, or the next day, or immediately.

If you are told you need to see a doctor straight away you will be advised to ring the Health Centre yourself. If it is out of hours NHS Direct will pass your call to NEMS, the Nottingham doctors' cooperative and you will be advised where you can go to see a doctor. If a home visit was needed or hospital admission, this would also be arranged.