THE Scottish Government has been urged to make calls to NHS 24 free of charge, as Westminster moves to introduce a non-charging service south of the Border.

People are currently charged the price of a local phone call for calling the NHS 24 advice service from a landline, with calls sometimes costing more from a mobile. NHS Direct – the equivalent service in England – is gradually being replaced by a free 111 service.

The Scottish Government said consideration was being given to adopting the new 111 number, and it expected to make a positive announcement soon.