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This filler was particularly interesting to me, as a person, with the
experience of using NHS24, the phone-based medical advice line in
Scotland.
Last summer, with an allergic reaction that swelled up my face and
lips, I rang NHS24 early in the morning. After asking me several
questions, they suggested a topical cream. Upon using it, my face swelled
even more. Perhaps I reacted to one of its components?
After a couple more phone calls, finally at 9 PM, the nurse suggested
I see a doctor. Being new in Scotland, I had not even completed my NHS
registration. But she got me an emergency appointment and asked if I
needed an ambulance.
I have suffered various allergies all my life. One of my GPs has told
me it is all in my mind. But this experience taught me that if I really
feel a threat to my life or my ability to function, perhaps it is not best
to ring a phone-line except to get an appointment to see a doctor
urgently. The nurses on NHS24 had the best intent, were very helpful and
followed through with diligence. But there is only so much that can be
done on the phone.
What about NHS24 then?
This filler was particularly interesting to me, as a person, with the
experience of using NHS24, the phone-based medical advice line in
Scotland.
Last summer, with an allergic reaction that swelled up my face and
lips, I rang NHS24 early in the morning. After asking me several
questions, they suggested a topical cream. Upon using it, my face swelled
even more. Perhaps I reacted to one of its components?
After a couple more phone calls, finally at 9 PM, the nurse suggested
I see a doctor. Being new in Scotland, I had not even completed my NHS
registration. But she got me an emergency appointment and asked if I
needed an ambulance.
I have suffered various allergies all my life. One of my GPs has told
me it is all in my mind. But this experience taught me that if I really
feel a threat to my life or my ability to function, perhaps it is not best
to ring a phone-line except to get an appointment to see a doctor
urgently. The nurses on NHS24 had the best intent, were very helpful and
followed through with diligence. But there is only so much that can be
done on the phone.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests