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A new non-emergency number for patients needing to ask medical questions has been launched in some UK counties, and is set to be introduced to more later this year. The service’s main benefit lies in the fact that the contact and location information it provides will be specifically local, allowing patients to find solutions to their problems over the phone as quickly and efficiently as possible when time is an important factor.

Easing pressure

The aim of the helpline is to ease the pressure on the current emergency number – 999 – by providing 24-hour help with non-emergency queries from trained advisors on the other end of the line. The contact centre will also provide contact information to those needing to find an after-hours GP or walk-in centre, and if it turns out that the patient’s problem is in fact an emergency, then an ambulance will be dispatched to them immediately.

Just what the doctor ordered

Explaining the importance of the new number Professor Stephen Singleton, medical director of NHS North East, said that ‘Most importantly it will help improve efficiency across the whole health care system by reducing unnecessary waste and making sure people get access to the right service, first time.’ He also explained the specific purpose of the number, saying that it was for those who ‘need help quickly and can’t wait for an appointment with a GP or don’t know who to call.’

Who’s in line?

The service will be made available to towns such as Blyton, Blybrough, Scotter, Laughton, Scotton and Kirton-In-Lindsey when it does launch later this year. Until this time, the NHS’s old helpline will still be the number to call with non-emergency medical queries. The number for NHS Direct is 0845 46 47.

Tags: NHS