HEREFORDSHIRE could be on the verge of getting its own individual '111' health line.

The plans, which have been labelled "cloud cuckoo land", are aimed at encouraging patients to 'talk before you walk' and have been prompted by a high number of people attending Accident and Emergency when they didn't need to.

The Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says the Urgent Care Pathway will see clinicians on the other end of the phone, as well as operators, who can discuss the best route for patients and, if needed, make appointments with GPs.

"For some people, urgent care does not mean anything," said Maria Hardy, clinical programme manager with Herefordshire CCG.

"It's not something that is terribly well understood.

"So if any individual needs urgent advice we are looking at a 'talk before you walk' idea. We are acknowledging that people don't always know where to go."

Patients would have to give their consent for their medical files to be shared by the professionals using the 111 service.

"They will discuss with the patient the best route for them to take, which could include going to a pharmacy, dentist, GP or Accident & Emergency," said Ms Hardy.

"That information will be relayed electronically so not only will you be expected at a certain place but wherever you are sent will know why you have been sent there."

There is currently no planned start date for the service as nothing has been agreed.

Ms Hardy told members of Herefordshire Council's Health and Wellbeing board that the plan is "inextricably linked" to the CCG's fledgling seven-day primary care service idea which would see GP surgeries across the county open seven days a week, possibly at the expense of Hereford's walk-in clinic and minor injury units.

"No decisions will be made until all the building blocks are in place," she said.

Paul Duneen, from Herefordshire Healthwatch, called it a "once in a lifetime opportunity", although others were more sceptical.

"This sounds absolutely wonderful but when you have the knowledge I do, it's cloud cuckoo land," said county councillor, Polly Andrews.