A NEW freephone number for non-emergency medical help will be launched.

Callers will be able to dial 111 and get through to NHS 24 without charge, but will have to wait another year before the system is in place.

Last year more than one and a half million calls were made to the chargeable NHS 24 number, with nine out of 10 being made out of normal GP hours.

Health Secretary Alex Neil launched the new number, more than a year ahead of it going live across Scotland.

Callers will then, as now, get through to a member of staff who can give advice on whether they need treatment or they can choose to hear recorded information.

Mr Neil said it was important to ensure health services were free and that should include the telephone helpline.

He said: "I strongly believe our NHS should be free at the point of contact and this new number is about ensuring that this applies to those who seek support and advice from NHS 24.

"By introducing this memorable and free number we are removing any barrier for the public to access the health advice when their GP surgery is closed.

"By ensuring people have access to health information it will also help to keep emergency life-saving services available for those who really need them."

The calls are free whether from a landline or mobile and has the backing of anti -poverty campaigners who were angry that a previous call had cost £8 for one patient.

Caroline Monkford, of the Poverty Alliance, petitioned the Scottish Parliament calling for calls to be free.

She said: "Many people on low incomes often use pre-payment mobile phones as they do not have a landline.

"My research showed that 33% of mobile-only phone users indicated cost would be a barrier to them accessing NHS 24 and if they had no credit in their phone they would have to phone 999.

"I felt action needed to be taken on this especially for those with disabilities like myself, parents with children, and pensioners."

The Scottish Government said some planning had to be carried out before the free number could be in place.

A spokeswoman said: "The 111 number will go live in April 2014 to allow appropriate planning with a range of stakeholders and to ensure patient safety is paramount in the planning and implementation of the service.

"NHS 24 is upgrading its technology during 2013 and this will provide a firm foundation on which to deliver the 111 service.