7:44am Saturday 4th September 2010
By Reader's letter
I WAS shocked to read about the coalition’s plans to scrap NHS Direct with its medically qualified staff. It is instead to be replaced by telephone operators who will have 60 hours medical training.
A few years back, I was seriously ill, and probably would have just tried to sit out the illness, which as it turns out could have been seriously damaging to my health.
As I could not get through to my GP, it was before 8am, I rang NHS Direct, who advised me to seek medical help immediately as they believed I had pleurisy, and that I was not to travel alone or without a phone to seek help.
I got an emergency appointment at my GP thanks to their advice, and was rushed to hospital, from the surgery, where I received oxygen and medication. Many thousands of others have found the service similarly helpful.
I would urge all to save NHS Direct, sign the petition at savenhsdirect.co.uk and write to your MP as a matter of urgency, and let’s save lives, not pounds.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, Labour spokesperson for health, housing, adult social services, Salisbury Road, Leeman Road, York.
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