HEALTH bosses have countered fears that the new nurse-led NHS Direct could land the Health Service with massive medical negligence claims.

The 24-hour health information service will be staffed by nurses who will give advice and information on any aspect of illness or healthcare. It is set to be introduced in Bolton in April.

The service is being co-ordinated by Greater Manchester Ambulance Service and will be staffed by nurses employed by Bolton Community Healthcare Trust.

But senior Labour MP Tam Dalyell has warned Health Secretary Frank Dobson of multi-million pound medical negligence claims which could result from the expansion of the scheme.

These fears have been echoed by Professor Margaret Brazier, an expert in medical law at Manchester University.

She said: "The extension of this new service could open the NHS to a further flood of extremely expensive medical negligence claims." But Patrick Wallace, chief executive of Bolton Community Healthcare Trust, said callers contacting the helpline will be guided through a series of questions which are tailored to guiding the person on the other end of the line to seeking the most appropriate care.

"If there is any question in the nurse's mind, people will be guided towards seeking further medical help at the out-of-hours GP service or emergency care at accident and emergency," he said.

"Our district nurses already provide this high level of service to people in their own homes every day of the week.

"In the USA, where a system similar to this has been in operation for some time, there has not been one claim of medical negligence. The way in which the guidance is given always errs on the side of safety." Service expects

flood of applicants BOSSES of the new NHS Direct scheme in Greater Manchester are setting up a ground-breaking reserve nurse scheme.

The nurses, who will have completed the NHS Direct training courses, will be contracted to work at least one shift a week and will be available to provide relief for annual leave and sickness.

The reserve posts are expected to attract a high level of applications, particularly from nurses who are not able to work full time because of family commitments.

NHS Direct in Greater Manchester has already had a phenomenal response to recruitment campaign for its core nurse advisers, with hundreds applying for 25 posts.

Anyone interested in a post with NHS Direct, which will be based at two sites in Bolton, should contact 0161 231 7921 for an application form.

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