NHS Direct: the early years

NHS Direct was developed as part of the government's drive to deliver quality care wherever and whenever needed. It enables nurses to carry out a clinical consultation and assessment over the telephone with the aid of computer-based clinical decision support systems. The service was preceded by a range of telephone-based services provided by nurses in a number of settings. However, many of these early services were not evidence-based, and their availability and delivery was limited. Although nurses working for NHS Direct are supported by decision-making systems, they act as autonomous practitioners and are able to use their clinical judgement in advising patients.