| NHS launches new 111 non-emergency line | Posted on 21/12/2009 in Medical Government/ NHS related news The NHS has announced the launch of a new non-emergency medical care number - 111.
Free to call, the line, which received the approval of telecoms regulator Ofcom, has been established with the aim of making it easier for patients to access healthcare 24 hours a day, regardless of their location.
It diverts callers to local services and aims to connect them with the relevant establishment for their medical needs.
Nick Chapman, chief executive of NHS Direct, pointed out that 111 will not replace local telephone services or the emergency number 999.
"In the long term, 111 could become the single number to access non-emergency care services in England, including NHS Direct," he added.
In related news, the NHS revealed last week that an enquiry into theft of equipment from the organisation is currently being set up.
Among the items that have been stolen from the service in recent times is a mobile scanner unit, laughing gas and ambulances' satellite navigation systems. Other news stories from 21/12/2009
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