People using an advice service can now share the information with their regular family doctors.

Healthline is a phone service manned by registered nurses who assess callers' health needs, and provide advice and information.

The improved service will see nurses' recommendations shared with GPs, enabling the GP to put the information in patients' files and give priority if they need an appointment.

Doctors around the country are being sent the reports, which record when the patient called Healthline and what their symptoms were.

Patient consent is sought before information is shared with doctors, and the reports are transmitted via a secure service directly to the GP.

Healthline answers more than 1000 calls a day. It is accessible at any time and free of charge from  landlines or cellphones by calling 0800 611 611

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