Essential local health service information can now be obtained by text, thanks to a new service launched by NHS Direct.

NHS Direct has launched a text messaging service which allows users to quickly and efficiently obtain local service information at the touch of a button. Anyone needing to find details of their nearest GP, dentist, pharmacy, optician, walk-in-centre, A&E department or hospital in England can text the name of the service required, followed by a postcode, to 61121. A text message is sent back in reply, with details of the nearest service to the postcode, including the name, address, telephone number and the distance from the postcode.

Users are charged their standard rate for texts (network charges may vary) and NHS Direct covers the cost of the replies. If callers wish to receive an extra three results to widen their options, they can reply ‘more’ to the first message and a further three results are sent.

“There are now more active mobile phone connections than UK residents and 84% of the UK adults use a mobile phone regularly, so the service has a huge potential,” commented Ronnette Lucrfaft, commercial director of NHS Direct. “This is a fantastic opportunity for NHS Direct as it enables people to access health information on the go.”

The seven key words for accessing the seven types of local health service information by text are – GP; dentist; pharmacy; optician; walk; casualty; hospital.

As an example, if you’d like to find a casualty A&E department near to you, text the service name, followed by your postcode to 61121 – “casualty SG4 9SY.”

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