EXPERT health advice will be just a phone call away for any emergencies over the holidays.

Thanks to NHS Direct, the region's 24 hour helpline, trained nurses will be on hand at all hours of the day to offer confidential advice.

Everything from sporting injuries to flu symptoms can be discussed.

Callers will also be able to find out about the availability of local health services, such as dentists, GP surgeries and chemists throughout the period.

The service has made extensive preparations to meet an expected increase in the number of calls.

A full complement of trained nurses will be working throughout the period and a new satellite call centre at Manchester Royal Infirmary went live this month to supplement the main call centre in Bolton.

The service will also be supported by two new national initiatives.

NHS Direct On-Line (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) is the first comprehensive gateway to health information in the UK. It contains details of the telephone service, a database of conditions and treatments, a healthcare guide and advice on major health stories in the media.

Joanne Royle, general manager, said: "The service will be an invaluable resource for people seeking health advice over the Millennium.

'It is the first time that such a service has been available over Christmas and the New Year."

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