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Commenting Liberal Democrat Health Minister, Paul Burstow said:

"NHS 111 will build on NHS Direct but will go further providing a much more integrated service for the public.

"Unlike NHS Direct NHS 111 will be free to call.  Where NHS Direct can only signpost other services NHS 111 will be able to book a GP appointment and go straight through to local out of hours services.  If you do need an ambulance the 111 service will cut out the need to go through the 999 service assessment.

"NHS 111 will ensure people are put in touch with the right health professional first time.  By doing that the new service will reduce the pressure on 999 services and A&E departments.

"This is a simple, cost effective idea: from 2013 people can ring 111 for non life threatening health concerns and 999 when it is a matter of life or death."