THE new NHS Direct Service, providing direct access to expert nurse advice at the end of a telephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is now available in St Helens and Knowsley.

NHS Direct gives patients advice on how to look after themselves as well as directing them promptly to the right part of the NHS for treatment if they require medical help.

The service is complementary to, and in addition to, the normal, well-established primary care services. It has been developed and planned nationally with the involvement of local medical and nursing staff in health trusts, accident & emergency departments and GP practices. NHS Direct offers advice from, and assessment by, skilled, well-qualified nurses with more than five years experience.

The contact number is 0845 46 47 and local call rates apply.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.