§ 17. Mrs. Angela KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the effect of the health helpline for patients.
§ Mr. SackvilleAs a direct result of the national launch all regions have reported a fourfold increase in the number of inquiries dealt with by their helpline to over 17,000 calls in the first month since the launch.
The vast majority of callers to the service have expressed support for the health line and all regions report that they are beginning to receive repeat inquiries and calls from new users who have had the service recommended to them by satisfied customers.