A new medical telephone service is now available to Cambridgeshire residents.

The NHS 111 number has been introduced to help make it easier for people to access local health services, advice and information. 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and calls from landlines and mobile phones are free.

People should use the NHS 111 service if they need medical help or advice urgently but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

They should call 111 if:

• They think they need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service;

• They don’t think they can wait for an appointment with their GP; or

• They don’t know who to call for medical help.

For immediate, life-threatening emergencies people should continue to call 999.

111 will connect the caller to a team of fully trained call advisers in Peterborough, who are supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. They will ask the caller questions to assess the symptoms and give them the healthcare advice they need or direct the most appropriate and available local service.