IT was all systems go when Lancashire's Ambulance Service launched a 24-hour help-line at its Preston headquarters.

The service is one of only three UK organisations chosen to test run NHS Direct, based at the call centre on Garstang Road, Broughton.

The two-year pilot scheme, funded by £85,000 from the Department of Health, means people in Preston, South Ribble and Chorley can get advice from a nurse, health information and details of support groups.

Staff set up two mock calls to show how they would deal with different enquiries. One came from a concerned father whose unborn son would have Down's syndrome. He wanted to contact his nearest support group.

The other came from a man worried about his wife who had a heavy migraine. He was put through to a nurse, to be based at either Preston or Chorley Accident and Emergency Department, who asked questions about the condition before giving advice.

David Hill, chief executive of LAS, said: "We want to give the right advice from the start and refer people if necessary to other services. Waiting times in casualty could be reduced if people know what to do and where to go."

The help-line also offers information on other health agencies such as social services and out-of-hours chemists and dentists.

The scheme went live on Monday and will be evaluated after a year. It is hoped NHS Direct will become a nationwide service by the year 2000. It will be officially launched by the Secretary of State later this month with radio and TV advertisements and leaflet drops. The number is 0845 1888.

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