A consultation on a new national three-digit number – 111 – that will make it easier for patients to access urgent care wherever they are has been launched by Ofcom.
Services such as walk-in centres, out-ofhours phone and GP services and minor injuries units mean patients now have more choice than ever before when they need urgent care. However, patients are not always sure where to go for treatment when they need medical help urgently, but the situation is not life-threatening, especially when away from home. The number will not replace existing local telephone services or NHS Direct, but will provide patients with additional choice in how they find urgent care.
