Government to scrap NHS Direct

[taxman]

Govt confirm they will scrap NHS direct in favour of a cheaper option.

 

I've only ever tried to use once and it was no help whatsoever.

 

Has anyone else used it and are you sad to see it go, or was it just a waste of money?

[HeadingNorth]

I'm not sure how changing a number from 08454647 to 111 is saving (or costing) any money. Where are the savings going to come from?

[melthebell]

I'm not sure how changing a number from 08454647 to 111 is saving (or costing) any money. Where are the savings going to come from?

 

its shorter

 

isnt it cheaper for a shorter number?

 

lol

[Pink2Bubble]

Ive used NHS Direct a few times and they have been very helpful...much better than going and sitting in A&E. They give appropriate advice and then decide if an ambulance or paramedic is required.

 

Even going through symptoms online has been helpful.

 

As above though, I dont think its quite being scrapped yet but being added to another service, although this generally means it will be phased out eventually! Are staff working for 111 trained and have same access as NHS Direct?

[wednesday1]

If you live on south west of town NHS Dierect is a godsend for minor ailments as you can go to the Hallamshire and don't have to traipse all the way across to casualty at the Northern General.

[mj.scuba]

Rang it about three times and three times got the same answer - go and see your GP. Perhaps they could use the money to improve out of hours provision.

[hitch_1980]

From memory the only reason it was created was to improve the stats on waiting times.

 

In my opinion you have to actually see a person for them to diagnose you properly.

 

I personally think there should be more walk in centres.

[artisan]

From memory the only reason it was created was to improve the stats on waiting times.

 

In my opinion you have to actually see a person for them to diagnose you properly.

 

I personally think there should be more walk in centres.

 

Actually there are many walk in centres.

They are called doctors surgeries.

If you are really ill, you dont need an appointment to see the doc.

Get down to the surgery and he will see you.

And if its bad enough he will call an ambulance and get you straight in.

If you are really very ill get an ambulance or someone to take you to A&E and they will admit you straight away.

You will have the best treatment bar non.

This NHS, what a shambles eh?

[Dave_H]

Have used it a few times for advice and found it very useful and reassuring.

One call resulted in an immediate trip to A&E with a sick child. Other times just their reassurance was sufficient to get through minor ailments that children pick up.

 

Shame if it goes.

[artisan]

Have used it a few times for advice and found it very useful and reassuring.

One call resulted in an immediate trip to A&E with a sick child. Other times just their reassurance was sufficient to get through minor ailments that children pick up.

 

Shame if it goes.

 

I completely agree.

New parents often need good advice and Grandparents often cannot be contacted.

NHS Direct is a good source, even for minor ailments, for everyone.

A calm steady voice with good advice makes the situation better all round.