The Guardian reports that NHS Direct faces abolition within three years following the arrival of the new TDN (inevitably, three-digit number) 111.

NHS Redirect, as it has been affectionately known by primary care staff, is an easy target for cost savings. Its staff are expensive trained nurses, as the article highlights.

The idea that Health Secretary Andrew Lansley will hope sits in popular consciousness is that NHS Direct is a 'nice to have' service, rather than a 'need to have' one.

Autre temps, autre moeurs.