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Don't let Brighton rock ruin your English holiday this year
Most people have a story to tell about something that's happened to them on holiday in the UK. Latest research estimates that nearly four out of 10 Brits have suffered personal and health mishaps while holidaying in the UK - from suffering sunstroke or breaking their glasses, to getting stuck on a mountain.
So, if you find yourself having chipped a tooth on some Brighton rock, taken a tumble on the Yorkshire Dales or even dropped your glasses in Newquay harbour, you certainly won't be the only one. Research by Directgov shows that 38 per cent of people have had to look for a GP or pharmacy while on holiday in the UK, and one in 20 has needed a dentist.
Twenty per cent worry about having an accident or falling ill while on holiday in the UK, but for those taking a break in England this summer, help is just a text away.
Directgov and NHS Choices are piloting a new mobile service in England to help you find assistance in those unexpected moments and locations. Whether you need a dentist, GP or another health service while you are holidaying in England, by sending a text to 64746, the new service can help you find the nearest health facilities, whenever you need them and wherever you might be. The research showed that if there's one thing people will nearly always have with them when these mishaps occur, it's their mobile.
To see how this service has helped one troubled traveller, take a look at - http://www.direct.gov.uk/ontheroadfilm *
To access this service, send a text with the name of the service you require (listed below) to 64746. Directgov will then send back a text with details of the nearest service complete with addresses, phone numbers and maps. As with the website, Directgov does not charge users for the use of its mobile services. However, your mobile operator may charge you to send a text message and access the internet on your phone.
Essential text directory
Text the code of the service you
need from the list below to 64746:
* A&E - text
'a&e'
* Dentist - text 'dentist'
*
GP - text 'gp'
* Optician - text
'optician'
* Pharmacy - text
'pharmacy'
* Sexual health - text 'sexual
health'
* Alcohol support services - text
'alcohol'
* Stop smoking - text
'quit'
* Walk-in-centre - text 'walk in'
* Please note that this link has a query string attached to it. This is for Directgov evaluation purposes to measure marketing and PR, and to access marketing and advertising opportunities. Please use the query string below when using the link for the Directgov video -
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Notes to Editors
About Directgov
1. Directgov, the government's flagship digital service, brings together the widest range of public service information and services in one place; available on mobile, digital television and the website http://www.direct.gov.uk
Directgov is the largest cross-government initiative, joining up central and local government's service delivery, in a way that is easy to use and all in one place.
Launched in April 2004, Directgov now attracts more than 7 million visits a month.
The site also provides access to government directories, as well as links to relevant third parties who can offer additional trusted advice and support.
Please note: Directgov is spelt as one word and with a lower case 'g'.
To access the mobile internet and to send SMS messages, costs will vary according to your contract. Check with your network operator to find out more.
2. Research was carried out for Directgov between 29 July 2008 and 5 August 2008 with 1023 respondents giving their views.
About NHS Choices
NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk) is the digital information service of the NHS that gives ordinary people the tools to make better, more informed choices about their treatments, health and wellbeing. It includes more than 80,000 pages of content, including video, interactive tools, a daily news service news and lifestyle features. Users can also check and compare hospital and doctors' profiles and performance on-line.
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