<p><br /> Medical helpline NHS Direct is to be scrapped as the new non-emergency phone number 111 is rolled out, it has been disclosed.<br /> </p><p><br /> Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham criticised the move and the manner of its announcement - apparently via a slip of the tongue by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley during a hospital visit this week.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Department of Health confirmed that NHS Direct, which is used by 27,000 people a day, would be replaced by 111 when the new non-emergency number is introduced nationally.<br /> </p><p><br /> NHS Direct provides expert health advice and information to callers, as well as out of hours support for GPs and dental services, telephone support for patients with long-term conditions, pre- and post-operative support for patients.<br /> </p><p><br /> A spokeswoman said "many" of the services offered by NHS Direct "may be subsumed" by the 111 service.<br /> </p><p><br /> Providing health advice and information about out-of-hours GPs, walk-in centres, emergency dentists and 24-hour chemists, 111 is currently being trialled in the North-East.<br /> </p>
