A NEW service set to revolutionise local health care is up and running.

The 24-hour confidential helpline, manned by nurses, offers advice and support on any health matter.

NHS Direct Greater Manchester was set up following the success of three pilot schemes nationwide.

This latest scheme is the largest, catering for more than two million people, and is a joint venture between Greater Manchester Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton District Medical Services, Wigan Metro Medical Services, Community Health Care Bolton NHS Trust, South Manchester University NHS Trust, Central Manchester Health Care Trust and Healthwise, supported by the Association of Greater Manchester Local Authorities. Ten trained operators will answer calls and pass inquiries on to one of the 22 qualified nurses who will offer advice on a wide range of health topics from minor cuts and burns to illnesses.

The service will also have details of other relevant health information such as late night pharmacists and out-of-hours dentists in the caller's area.

If the call is urgent, the nurse adviser at the Ladybridge Hall centre, Bolton, will be able to transfer the caller direct to the paramedic emergency control where an ambulance will be dispatched immediately.

In addition six nurses with specialist knowledge of the area and service will be housed at a satellite call centre operating from Landmark House on Chorley New Road, Bolton.

Mrs Kathy Agrebi, assistant general manager, said: "NHS Direct will be an excellent service which will help take the worry out of health care for many people. By calling NHS Direct people can speak to a qualified nurse at a time to suit them."

Mr Evan Boucher, director of development and planning at Bury and Rochdale Health Authority, said: "We welcome any new service that provides better and more timely information for patients. We will be monitoring the impact of the service at a local level."

The NHS Direct number is 0845 4647.

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