Harmoni has been selected as the preferred bidder to operate the new national 24-hour telephone advice service on behalf of NHS Suffolk.
The NHS 111 service will begin in Suffolk in February 2013.
The new service will make it easier for people to access local NHS health care services when they need urgent medical help; however, it is not a 999 emergency service.
Harmoni is the largest provider of urgent care services in the country and currently operates Suffolk’s out-of-hours GP and dental service.
The new service is being introduced throughout the country and will enable people to make a free call from either their landline or mobile to the service. The call will be answered by a fully trained advisor who will assess the symptoms and offer advice or direct the patient straightaway to the local service that best meets their needs, such as A&E, out-of-hours GP, late night chemist or GP surgery.
The NHS Direct service 0845 4647 will remain in place until March 2013.
Dr Paul Watson, NHS Suffolk Chief Executive, said: “Harmoni has been chosen as the preferred provider to operate this important new service, which will make it much easier for patients in Suffolk to access non-emergency care. The NHS 111 service will begin in Suffolk in February 2013.
“It can sometimes be confusing for patients to know where to go for the right treatment. NHS 111 will offer 24/7 help and advice and will mean patients getting directed to the most appropriate place first time, which will mean patients are treated more quickly and appropriately and could save the need for an unnecessary trip to A&E.”