Ambulance service planning Dearne Valley call centre

The service, which has premises in Wakefield and York has won the contact for the provision in Yorkshire of a new 111 phone number designed for when medical assistance is needed, but is not life-threatening.

YAS says the Dearne Valley is the best potential location for the service and the aim is to provide 66 call-handling desks with a 10-desk training room.

The 24-hour 111 number is already available in areas including Lincolnshire, the Isle of Wight and parts of London.

The NHS says it is being introduced to make it easier for the public to access local NHS healthcare services.