CALLS to NHS' 111 number increased by over 60% in one week figures have revealed.

Staff dealt with over 706,129 calls to 111 last week compared to 440,047 the week before. 

Apart from the first two weeks of March 2020 (the start of the Covid-19 pandemic) it is the highest number of 111 calls ever record. 

Among the calls there was an increased demand from concerned parents regarding rising Strep A infections rates with the number of calls more than doubling compared to the equivalent week last year.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “This huge increase in calls to NHS 111 is understandable with concerns about winter viruses - including Strep A - a top priority for the public, but it is more important than ever that the public uses 111 online where possible to get important information about non-emergency health conditions and to be signposted to the best possible care.

“With industrial action planned today and next week, NHS teams are working hard to minimise disruption and while people may see their local services impacted, they must continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency during strikes, as well as attending pre-booked appointments as planned unless they have been contacted for it be rearranged."