CALLS to NHS Direct, the 24-hour health advice telephone line, have trebled in its first year in Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire.
The service began in November 2000 and started off receiving 175 calls a day in the first month. It now receives 600 calls a day. The most common queries have been about headaches and abdominal pain.
The service is confidential and is operated by nurses. Callers are given advice and information about illness and health in general.
Designed to take pressure off other services in the NHS, it does not diagnose but directs callers on to the most appropriate care. Call 0845 4647.
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