§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 December,Official Report, column 812, if he will list the eight main information lines under the jurisdiction of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the information given out by these information lines. [11146]
§ Mr. HoramInformation on the eight main information lines are as listed. Unless stated otherwise, all these services are available free of charge and are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Health information service 0800 66 55 44
The health information service is a national network of local telephone helplines. By dialling the national telephone number callers are automatically routed through to their local helpline service. The helplines give information and advice about NHS services, waiting times for treatment, common illnesses and treatments, maintaining and improving health, NHS complaints procedures and local NHS charter standards. The helplines are open 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, but may vary locally. Calls are confidential. The health information service cannot give a medical diagnosis.National drugs helpline 0800 77 66 00
The national drugs helpline offers a complete range of confidential advice, information and support. Callers are able to speak to trained, experienced advisors who will respond to requests for basic information about drugs and solvents, through to information about local services and to helping those concerned about their own or others drug problems.Leaflets and literature are supplied to callers on request. The service is also available in a range of other languages.
National Aids helpline 0800 567 123
The national AIDS helpline offers advice and information about HIV and AIDS. Callers can also request free leaflets on aspects of HIV and AIDS. Calls to the helpline are confidential.Health literature line/organ donor telephone service 0800 555 777
The health literature line is the telephone ordering service for free Department of Health publications on a range of health issues. Publications available free of charge include "The Patient's Charter", "A Traveller's Guide to Health" (a guide to fee or reduced cost emergency medical treatment abroad), and the NHS league tables.The organ donor telephone service issue registration forms for the NHS organ donor register and answer some related questions.Blood donor telephone service 0345 711 711
The blood donor telephone service offers advice to people who would like to become a blood donor or who want to know where their nearest blood donor centre or session is. Calls to the service are charged at local call rates.Drinkline 0345 711 711 (UK only): 0171 332 0202 (London only)
The drinkline service informs callers about alcohol, helps callers who are worried about their own drinking, supports families and friends of people with drinking problems and puts people in touch with local alcohol advisory services where appropriate. Calls to the service are charged at local call rates.417WSexwise 0800 282930
The sexwise telephone service offers advice and counselling on sexual matters for young people. Calls to the helpline are confidential. The line is open from 7am to midnight seven days a week.