MIDLAND/ODESSA, Oct 27, 2011 -- It's unlike anything other service in the area, a 24-hour nurse hotline where patients can call in with their health questions.

Midland Memorial Hospital started the program in 2009 and now they're expanding to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.

Nurses say the call center has allowed them to cut down on the number of unnecessary emergency room visits but it's also helped save a few lives.

"A female patient called in. She was having a little discomfort. She was reluctant to go to the emergency room but the nurse convinced her. She ended up having a heart attack. She called back and said we saved her life," Midland Memorial Nurse, Wilma Cline, said.

Hospital administrators say they're working on a new marketing strategy for the expanded call center.

They hope to have it up and running in January.

To reach the call center, dial 855-68-NURSE.

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.newswest9.com