For a medical emergency call 999. For urgent but non-emergency medical help call NHS 111.

News

The pages in this section are an archive of press releases and news items from the former NHS Direct organisation between 2009 and 2013. NHS Direct was dissolved in March 2014. The archive is retained here for historical reference; for current NHS news, see NHS.uk.

Get advice about your symptoms

If you are unwell and unsure what to do, use one of the routes below. They are free and available across the UK, and can direct you to the right service.

Call 999 immediately in a life-threatening emergency — for example loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding or a suspected stroke.

What this section covers

  • NHS Direct press releases 2009–2013
  • Historical service updates
  • Older campaigns and awards

Explore this section

Choose a topic from the list below for more detail. Every page on NHS Direct is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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In this section