Patients are being urged to call 111 before attending accident and emergency departments to help regulate the number of people in hospital waiting areas.
Under the new scheme, those in need of care for a serious but non-life threatening condition will be able to book an appointment at their nearest A&E to avoid a long wait at hospital.
The 111 First programme is intended to schedule slots at A&E to help maintain social distancing in hospitals, or direct patients to other services such as a GP or pharmacist.
Currently being piloted in Plymouth and Cornwall, it is due to be extended to other parts of the country in the coming months.
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