How helpful is NHS Direct?

Question

Never had to ring them. Have you?

Answer 1

Actually i've rang them a few times and i 've always found them very helpful. They are after all just telephone operators following a list of guidelines do they have to be cautious, but they will put you throught to a nurse should you require medical advice.
And i'm a nurse myself.

Answer 2

I have a PhD in Immunology and an ND so can diagnose legally. Not swanking but to point out that when i phone these people I really do want help. i have had loads of information in the form of photostats etc but on actual advice useless. One of the answers says they are only telephonists...they are not they are all qualified nurses as far as I can find out.

They do not give answers, won't diagnose cos they can't and not allowed to so its is go to see your GP etc. what they are good at is to give more info on what is wrong and what you have been diagnosed by the GP.

Don't bother. If you give me your question I will try and help....see web site www.healers2006.co.uk

Answer 3

Helpful? the word is not in their computer system. The computer will only give 2 answers to deal with all questions and health problems, which is 'Go to you nearest A&E department' or 'Go to your GP'. Generally you will get the answer that is most inappropriate for your needs at the time.

Answer 4

after temping with them for the xmas period, they are actually quite a good employer. To ask about whether or not they are good for advice, again, I would have to say that they are. They helped me when I really need it and to other peole who posted, ofcourse they will divert you to a GP, especially when you need it. Its to give the right support adn care, remember it is an advice line, not a gp service. If oyu need to go to A and E or whatever, they cant fix you over the phone, they have to make sure that you are seen to in order to determine the cause of your troubles.
Hope that helped!

Answer 5

Yes I have, and my experience the few times i have had to call them is useless......I had to call about my daughter the first time with meningitis like symptoms, and they eventually got someone to call me back, and then told me to got to the doctor, or nearest hospital. I then called with poss apendix symptoms and they eventually called me back and told me to go to the doctor or the nearest hospital......erm, i could have told myself that, suppose i shouldn't have called. Maybe they would be better with advice on an ingrown toenail. You call and someone jots down yr details and then they get someone to call you back when they are free. So my experience is crap and i prob won't call them again.. By the way, my daughter had scarlet fever and we were in hospital for 4 days....very sick....good luck if ever you have to use them, but i would advise going to your doctor!!!!!! Or your nearest hospital!!!!! Happy New Year

Answer 6

Yes i have and they were bleeding useless, as i've said in another question thread, my GP refered to them as NHS dire when i told him i'd rung them.

Answer 7

Useless.

They can only diagnose simple things that you would be able to do yourself. Otherwise they just tell you to contact your GP.

Answer 8

they are really good calm offer loads advice and tell you exactly what to do and are experts sure way to get advice on which way to turn

Answer 9

Not particularly, all they ever say is go to the doctor or a&e.

Answer 10

Useless, they always say "you'll have to see your GP about that".