A new free and easy to remember number for NHS 24 in Scotland is now up and running.
It means callers looking for medical help and advice ca in Scotland will no longer be charged when calling NHS 24 from a landline or mobile.
NHS 24 will continue to deliver the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support during the out of hours period until their GP surgery reopens.
It previously cost the price of a local phone call from a BT landline, with calls from other landline service providers and mobile providers often costing more.
NHS 24 provides a range of telehealth and telecare services to Scotland. NHS 24 takes 1.5 million calls per year – and answers calls on average within four seconds – from patients seeking help when their GP surgery is closed. NHS 24 maintains high levels of service throughout the year, including during periods of peak demand such as the festive period when the service can receive around 8,000 calls per day.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and Minister for Older People, Alex Neil MSP, 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.
“This will help to ensure people have access to health information and support, including access to a GP, when they really need it.
“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.”
Numbers to stick to your fridge door
999 for Emergency services
111 for NHS 24
101 for non emergency calls to the police08004 70 80 90 for Silver Line Scotland: information, friendship and advice for older people, their families and carers.
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