A NEW number can be dialled by anyone in Hertfordshire when they need medical help fast.

Residents should dial 111 to receive the right medical care over the telephone, leaving 999 for life-threatening conditions.

People will be assessed, given advice and directed to the local service that can help them best.

That could be an out of hours GP, a minor injuries unit, community nurse, late opening pharmacist, an urgent care centre or A & E.

The free to call service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For less urgent health needs, such as flu or stomach upset, patients should still contact their GP or pharmacists in the usual way.