Health hotline launched in Wales

Trained nurses will deal with calls

A medical helpline staffed by nurses is opening in Swansea as part of the NHS Direct scheme. The helpline was set up to lessen the demand on out-of-hours GP services.

Another help centre is due to open in north Wales in the autumn. The scheme will allow people who have a health problem, but do not know where to go, to ring a special number and speak to a trained nurse.

NHS Direct had a mixed reception in England when it was set up last year.

Some doctors were sceptical of its success.

But one survey from Sheffield University showed it reduced out-of-hours workload on GPs and did not increase pressure on accident and emergency departments.

But Chris Jones, Director of NHS Direct Cymru, said the service was becoming more popular.

"About 50-60,000 a week call and the people who use the service are satisfied," he said.

"I think that message is beginning to get through to the health community who are now looking at NHS Direct and identifying it as a system which has significant potential to bring good quality health care and advice to their own homes.

"If someone has a health concern or worry but are not entirely clear what to do, they can ring a number and speak to a qualified nurse and give them advice on what to do.

"The nurses employed are experienced and are highly trained to perform this task.

"They are assisted by a tried and tested computer programme which prompts them to ask a comprehensive series of questions so the assessment they carry out is very thorough."

Mr Jones said in the long-term, the helpline in Wales would become more integrated with other health services.

The NHS Direct number is 0845 4647.