A FORMER Bolton nurse has been appointed second in command of the new NHS Direct, 24-hour health helpline. Kathy Agrebi joins the service from her former post as Operations Manager of the BUPA 24-hour helpline - HealthLine. Kathy has been appointed assistant General Manager of the team behind the 24-hour confidential helpline which is set to go live on April 6 from Ladybridge Hall, Bolton.

The service, headed by General Manager Joanne Royle, will be manned by qualified, experienced nurses who will be on hand to provide the region with a 24-hour advice line designed to answer any health queries.

Excellent service

"NHS Direct will be an excellent service which will help take the worry out of healthcare for many people," said Kathy.

"It may be that you have a nagging sports injury, a headache that won't go away or you just want some information on a health related manner.

"By calling NHS Direct you can speak to a qualified nurse for professional advice at a time to suit the caller."

"Trained nurses will be taking calls 24 hours a day. They will also be able to offer immediate advice on the full spectrum of health issues and if necessary will be able to transfer calls of an urgent nature through to the paramedic emergency control centre.

"I am very excited about NHS Direct. It presents a real challenge and will bring significant benefits to the people of Greater Manchester."

Mother of two, Kathy, will be responsible for the smooth running of the service employing 22 qualified nurses and 10 call operators.

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