NHS direct is to be replaced by a new 111 service.

[John_Mills]

NHS direct is going to be replaced by a new 111 service for patients to access healthcare services when they need medical help fast, but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

The NHS 111 service is part of the wider revisions to the urgent care system to deliver a 24/7 urgent care service that ensures people receive the right care, from the right person, in the right place, at the right time.

In future if people need to contact the NHS for urgent care there will only be three numbers 999 for life-threatening emergencies, their GP surgery or 111

It is being piloted in certain areas from the end of this month and should be rolled out nationally from April 2012.

[braindamage]

I have only once tried the original service after collapsing in the bathroom. The advice I was given at 2pm was to 'drink plenty of water' before the operator put the phone down!

We need a system that works! Please!