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New free and simple NHS 24 number launched





Mr Neil (right) at the launch of the new number
Mr Neil (right) at the launch of the new number

Highlanders can now call NHS 24 free simply by dialling 111.

The new simple number was launched by Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil yesterday.

It will mean that the public will no longer have to pay when calling the health advice line on their landline or by mobile.

NHS 24 will continue to deliver the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support within Highland during the out of hours period when their GP surgery is closed.

Mr Neil said: “I strongly believe that our NHS should be free at the point of care for all, and this new number will help to protect these founding principles of the NHS.

“The new number is easy to remember, and free to call, which will ensure everyone across Scotland can access support and advice from NHS 24 whenever they need it.

"NHS 24 already provides a valuable service to patients across Scotland when their GP surgery is closed, and there will be absolutely no change to the high quality service provided through this new number.

“By introducing the 111 number we are removing any barrier for the public to access the health advice when their GP surgery is closed.

"This will help to ensure people have access to health information and support, including access to a GP, when they really need it.

"In Scotland, the 111 number will be run by NHS 24 as a public service, in public hands – serving the needs of patients.

“This is in complete contrast to the approach adopted by the NHS in England, where different organisations, including private sector providers, are contracted to provide the number in different regions.”

NHS 24 Chief Executive John Turner said patients throughout Scotland will receive the same service that NHS 24 has delivered for more than ten years.

He said: We will continue to work with our partners across Scotland to provide high quality support to patients and their families on the new number, which is easy to remember and free to call.

"NHS 24 has been serving the people of Scotland for more than ten years now and the move to a freephone number represents the next stage in the development of the country's provider of telehealth and telecare services."

Margaret Anderson, joint chair of NHS 24's Public Partnership Forum, commented: "The change from the original 0845 number to the very easy to remember 111 will give a great advantage to the people of Scotland when they need to access healthcare advice.

"I thoroughly endorse this move, which is not, it must be noted, a change of service, but a change of number."


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