The Department of Health said that, having obtained approval from telecoms regulator Ofcom, it plans to pilot 111 services in the three regions during 2010, and has decided to make calls to the service free.
Initially, this will be an additional service to the NHS Direct phone service – which is charged at 0845 rates – but could eventually replace it if it is introduced nationally, becoming the single access number for non-emergency care.
The DoH said the new service will assess callers immediately, with the option of deciding to send an ambulance without further assessment. However, the 999 number will be retained for emergency care.
The 111 service will be able to provide immediate advice for minor illnesses and injuries, and will be able to refer callers to their nearest GP surgery. Such a service has been proposed by the consumer association Which? and by Lord Darzi.
"Patients have told us that they need clear, easy advice on how to find healthcare quickly when it's less urgent than 999, and I am delighted that Ofcom has allocated 111 for these purposes," said health minister Mike O'Brien said. "Our research with the public showed a strong preference for 111 over any other three digit numbers because it is easy to remember."
The service will be piloted in England only, although the DoH said that Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales may consider introducing it based on the experience of the work in the north east, east of England and East Midlands next year. The number will be reserved across the UK for such a service.
The DoH has previously estimated that an England-wide 111 service could receive 14.4m to 30m calls annually.
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