Should i ring nhs direct

I actually tone the symptoms down. Last year, I said I was still in pain; today I claim the pain has stopped, and I don't mention the palpitations. Am I bleeding? I'm not. Is my chest hot? Does my back ache? The only symptom I have is a shooting pain, which has now stopped.

That's when I'm offered an ambulance. I start to argue. She puts me through to a doctor. He underlines his colleague's concerns, vigorously. If I didn't have a heart problem before, I do now. Eventually, I persuade him my friends will drive me to hospital. The service cannot arrange appointments at your GP. When your GP is closed and you cannot wait until they are open, you should phone for out-of-hours advice. This service will provide you with urgent care and assessment for a range of concerns including cuts, and burns, suspected broken bones, sprains and other injuries and illnesses.

This might include a suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or severe injury. During our busy times, when there's lots of people calling us, it might take a little longer for us to answer your call.

Home Our services When to phone When to phone 1. When to phone 2. During your call 3. Advice and Information — 30 November They may also be able to give you the advice you need without using another service.

If your condition is not life-threatening, NHS may direct you to a more appropriate service or one that can see you sooner. If you need an urgent face-to-face assessment or treatment, NHS should be able to arrange this immediately for you. You can contact NHS either online or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is free to use, including from a mobile phone. Share your experience. If you or a loved one has a life-threatening emergency, you should call or go straight to your nearest emergency department.

Examples of an emergency are:. If you have been asked to wait at home until your appointment by NHS and your condition changes, call again.

If you have been asked to wait at home by NHS and you become seriously ill, call an ambulance. Patients who need emergency treatment will be seen first. If your health condition is not as urgent, you may need to wait elsewhere or be asked to return for a later appointment to help manage social distancing in the waiting room.