NHS Direct

NHS Direct is for anyone needing health advice or information. When you phone NHS Direct, a nurse will give you confidential advice and information. You can also visit the NHS Direct Online (external link) for health advice and information.

You can phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. If English is not your first language, you can use a confidential translation service. Calls are charged at the local rate and, for patients' safety, all calls are recorded. (A textphone service is also available for people who have difficulties with their hearing or speech on 0845 606 4647.)

...on the web

NHS Direct Online (external link)  is a website providing high quality health information and advice. It is unique in being supported by a 24 hour nurse advice and information helpline. If you use NHS Direct Online (external link)  and are in any doubt about information you read or about what action you should take, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

The following services are available for Wales and Scotland:

NHS Direct Wales (external link) has it own website.
NHS24 (external link) is Scotland's equivalent of NHS Direct

If I'm feeling unwell, where can I find advice on NHS Direct Online about what to do?

The NHS Direct Online (external link)  self-help guide is an easy to use guide to treating common health problems at home. Using a Body Key, you can identify your symptoms and by answering simple step by step questions, work out the course of action that is best for you. If the self-help guide does not cover your particular symptom, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice.

What is the online enquiry service?

The online enquiry service is there to help you if you can't find the health information you need on NHS Direct Online. (external link)

If, having searched the website, you haven't found what your looking for, you can complete and submit an online form detailing what you want to know. Your enquiry will be researched by a health information professional and an individual response provided within up to 5 working days. The service will only handle requests for health information e.g. you have a diagnosed condition and want to find out more about it. If you are feeling unwell and want immediate advice on what to do, you are advised to contact the NHS Direct telephone service to speak to a nurse.

...on the phone

NHS Direct operates a 24-hour nurse advice and health information service, providing confidential information on:

What to do if you or your family are feeling ill;

Particular health conditions

Local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies.

Self help and support organisations.

NHS Direct works hand in hand with other healthcare services provided by the NHS, helping you make the right choice to meet your needs. Calls to NHS Direct are charged at local rates and for patient's safety, all calls are recorded.

If you need health information or advice at any time of the day or night, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

...in the community

NHS Direct Information Points provide free access to the health advice and information available on the NHS Direct Online website. The information points have touch screens rather than keyboards, so they are easy to use. There's a facility print out the information you've looked at to take away with you.

Information available on the Information Points

• the NHS Direct self-help guide, an easy to use guide to treating common health problems at home;
• advice on healthy living, with ideas and suggestions on making changes to your lifestyle to help you look and feel better, live longer and reduce your chances of falling ill;
• information about the NHS Direct telephone service and NHS Direct Online website.
• A health encyclopedia containing over 400 topics covering illnesses and conditions, tests, treatments and operations, will be launched on information points shortly.

How many NHS Direct information points are there?

There are over 150 NHS Direct information points so far, but the NHS Plan commits to there being over 500 by 2004.

Where are NHS Direct Information Points situated?

The information points are located in easily accessible public places including hospitals, pharmacies, libraries and supermarkets.

Information provided by the NHS Information Authority