Feeling unwell, give them a call (NHS Direct)

Member Name: Tingram2012

Product:	NHS Direct
Date:	01/08/09 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Puts your mind at ease, helpful

Disadvantages: None

I very rarely get ill which i'm very grateful for except for the odd headache or upset stomach which dont stop me dead in my tracks. Recently I began feeling really ill and couldnt get an appointment with my Doctor until the middle of next week. Its always a nightmare trying to get booked in to see a Doctor and is really frustrating. I've never rang NHS Direct before but I was constantly dizzy & nauseas and kept thinking I was going to pass out so I just needed some piece of mind.

I rang and spoke to a lady who took my name, address, contact number and my date of birth. She then asked me what my symptons were and asked me to hold for a sec while she input the information on a record card. I was on hold for about 10 seconds when the lady I was talking too came back and said that I needed to talk to one of the Nurses but at the moment they were all busy. She told me that one of the Nurses would ring me back in the next few minutes and no later than 10 minutes.

About 5 minutes later one of the Nurses rang me and after asking me a few security questions to make sure I was who I said I was she ran through a list of questions. The questions were based on the information I'd already given on the first call. After I'd answered all the questions she recommended that I go see my GP. I told her that I had booked an appointment but couldnt get to see him till next week. She suggested that I contact the surgery again and tell them that a Nurse at NHS Direct has recommended seeing a Doctor that afternoon, alternatively she gave me a contact number for a walk in centre at the hospital.

I wasnt able to get into see my Doctor that afternoon but I did get to see a Nurse. She was able to tell me what was wrong with me and was also able to get me a perscription from the Doctor in between his other patients.

The Nurse at NHS Direct was really helpful and ever so nice, she gave me plenty of advice and if I hadnt rang them I know I would still be waiting for my appointment now.

The NHS Direct telephone line is open 24 hours a day and has Nurses on call throughout. They can be contacted on 0845 4647 and they also have a website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. The waiting times maybe a little longer at the moment due to the outbreak of swine flu but when you first ring there is an automated voice that filters you through to the right section. I did get through very quickly so the time delays didn't effect me.

Whenever you need health advice and information or your feeling unwell ring the NHS Direct helpline, they are really helpful and can put your mind at ease if you are really worried.

This is my first and only experience with NHS Direct and I would recommend them to anyone feeling unwell, who cant get to see a Doctor or friends and family of people who are unwell.

Summary: Recommended