HEALTH and ambulances bosses are urging people not to swamp the emergency services with unnecessary calls and to use alternative services instead.

The plea was made after growing fears that emergency services in Bury would be swamped with non-emergency cases causing chaos in the casualty department.

Alternative services will be running throughout the holiday period for people needing help and advice about minor ailments.

NHS Direct, the Greater Manchester 24-hour nurse led helpline, launched in April will be operational.

Trained nurses will be on hand day or night to offer confidential advice on everything from sporting injuries to flu symptoms.

Callers will also be able to find out the availability of local health services such as dentists, GP surgeries and chemists throughout the holiday period. Preparations have been made for the expected increase in calls and a temporary centre has been set up at Manchester Royal Infirmary to support the main call centre at Ladybridge Hall in Bolton.

NHS Direct is also now on-line.

Launched last week, the service will offer a comprehensive gateway to health information via the internet

The web site will have regularly updated information about the telephone service, a database of conditions and treatments, a health care guide and advice on major health stories in the media.

Information about NHS Direct and a health care guide will also be distributed to local pharmacies.

Joanne Royle, NHS Direct general manager, explained: "It is the first time such a service has been available over the Christmas and New Year period. NHS Direct will be an invaluable resource for people seeking health advice over the millennium."

You can ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or alternatively access the website on www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

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