MORE than 70 people have used a new scheme designed to help people in North Kirklees with local health issues.
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (Pals) was set up by family doctors in February this year.
And 75 people have turned to it for help in the first six months.
Regular inquiries received by the Pals hotline in North Kirklees include help registering with a doctor, help with prescriptions charges and advice on loaning equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches.
Pals portfolio manager Marilyn Horton said the scheme was going very well.
"Local people have been using the service widely and we have been able to point them in the right direction," she said.
"We act independently when handling patient and family concerns and liaise with staff, managers, or other appropriate organisations to try to reach a prompt solution.
"We are a proving to be a real focal point for patients and many are calling us if they have a problem or don't know where to go to.
"We have resolved many important issues for patients and have hopefully made a difference to the care they have received."
The Pals scheme focuses on improving the service to NHS patients by providing confidential, on-the-spot advice and support.
It was set up by North Kirklees Primary Care Trust, which handles the NHS budget for patients in the Mirfield, Dewsbury and Batley areas.
Pals' aim is to deliver better, more responsive health services as well as improve the health of local people.
Patients can call free on 0800 587 2417 for help on NHS services.
