NHS Direct is in negotiations with GP consortiums to run a telephone and internet service which would see patients ringing 111 to book an appointment to see their doctor.

Talks have already been held with nine GP consortiums to manage appointments and the out-of-hours services. The first trial, which will be held in Surrey, will run later this year but NHS Direct aims to run the service nationally in the future.

As part of the government's sweeping changes in the NHS, primary care trusts are to be abolished and GP consortiums will be handed £80bn of the NHS budget to commission services for patients. The Surrey trial will see patients dial 111 and then be directed to their local practice or have the option of speaking to NHS Direct or its internet support.

The Department of Health said: "If GPs locally think 111 could be used to improve access to GP appointments, in addition to the urgent care function, then it could be tested as part of the local pilots." It said that the main purpose of the new service was to provide an "easily recognisable, free and effective service for non-emergency care".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/feb/09/book-appointment-gp-dial-111