NHS Direct has been an innovative success story and to hear that it is to be scrapped for a cheaper alternative is a bitter blow to health professionals and the public. It was set up to take pressure off GPs and A&E and is staffed by 3,000 qualified nurses and health professionals.

Call centres with unqualified staff could never hope to replace this service. It proved its worth during the swine flu epidemic and provides advice, support and help 24 hours a day.

This proposal was not included in either the Conservative or the Liberal Democrat manifesto and has been released without any discussion with the unions. I would urge you all to join us in helping save this vital service for the benefit of all.