NHS DIRECT

NHS Direct has a website and also operates a 24-hour telephone service.

Website:  NHS Direct Online

The NHS Direct website http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ contains a lot of information on themes such as:

• Health encyclopedia, describing many health conditions and treatments
• Best treatments
• Self-help
• Local services

24-hour telephone service

NHS Direct's 24-hour telephone service on 0845 4647 offers confidential nurse advice and information on health issues, local healthcare services (such as doctors, dentists and late night opening pharmacies) and self-help & support organisations.

With the right advice and information, many non-serious health problems can be treated at home or following a visit to your local pharmacist. 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.

NHS Direct can provide confidential interpreters, in many languages, within minutes of your call.

NHS Direct has introduced a single, national textphone number for the deaf, hard of hearing and those with speech difficulties. The textphone number is 0845 606 46 47.

Calls to NHS Direct telephone service and textphone service are charged at local rates and, for patients' safety, all calls are recorded.