MORE than half of all people over the age of 60 in Gwent have never heard of NHS Direct - the health service’s telephone service designed to provide quick access to medical advice.
A survey by Gwent Community Health Council of over 60s across the county found that 51 per cent had never heard of the service, while just one in five people had actually used it.
In Blaenau Gwent the figures were even worse, with just one in 21 people aware of the service, and no one had ever used it.
The telephone helpline was launched in Wales in 2000, and has previously been criticised for high levels of staff sickness and lengthy call times.
Chief officer of Gwent Community Health Council Cathy O’Sullivan said the lack of awareness was concerning, particularly because the majority of people who were using the service were pleased with the support they had received.
"The NHS clearly needs to work harder to reach this key group of potential users," she added.
Other findings from the research were more encouraging, with 70 per cent of people saying telephone contact with their local GP’s offices was good or excellent, and 59 per cent of out patients reporting they were seen within half an hour.
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