New non-emergency number launched

In the hope that it will divert calls away from the emergency number 999, the government has set up a new non-emergency number, 111.

The new number will operate 24 hours a day and will provide non-emergency healthcare to the public wherever they are, according to the government.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “It is essential that we improve access to, and understanding about, urgent care services, which includes out-of-hours care. At present, too many people are confused about who to contact and how to do so.