AMBULANCE bosses are to launch a round-the-clock helpline in parts of the county.
Lancashire Ambulance Service has been chosen to pilot the Emergency Care Telephone Helpline in Chorley and Preston.
The scheme will provide free 24-hour medical and nursing information to callers to help them cope with emergencies.
It will also offer advice about the range of emergency services available in the callers' area and access to health information.
The service will also offer contact with other health providers, including GP co-operatives, social services and out-of-hours pharmacists and dentists.
The scheme will start next February and will be funded by the Department of Health.
Ambulance trust chief executive David Hill said: "It is pleasing that our efforts in putting together the bid over many months has finally been rewarded with a contract in Lancashire."
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