Calls have been made for the Welsh Government to rectify problems with the 111 helpline as a matter of urgency, after people in Gwynedd seeking advice on Coronavirus reported difficulties getting through.

Constituents living in parts of Gwynedd have told MP Liz Saville Roberts that they are receiving messages telling them that ‘the service is not available in your area’ when they call the free helpline for advice.

There are also reports of the NHS Direct website being down.

People seeking advice on coronavirus from NHS Direct Wales’s website are directed to contact 111 regardless of where they live. This line is free while the alternative 0845 46 47 costs a minimum of 2p per minute.

According to Mrs Saville Roberts office, constituents are also reporting conflicting messages about the availability of the service for people living in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area.

The NHS Direct website states the free 111 helpline is only available in the Hywel Dda, Powys, Aneurin Bevan and Swansea Bay health board areas.

Plaid Cymru politicians representing Gwynedd in Westminster and Cardiff have called on the Welsh government to urgently fix the problem and also called for the charge fee for the NHS Direct Wales 0845 number to be waived.

In a joint statement Liz Saville Roberts MP, Hywel Williams MP and Siân Gwenllian AM said: “We have heard several reports of local people living in Gwynedd unable to access the 111 helpline as they seek guidance about the Coronavirus pandemic.

“There appears to be confusion as to the availability of the free 111 service, with reports of people being told that the service isn’t available where they live.

“At such a worrying time, it is absolutely vital that we have a universal service providing free advice to the public on how to identify the virus, containment measures and what to do if you suspect you or a loved one may have it, and is readily accessible to everyone.

“We would urge the Welsh government to work with health providers to rectify any problems with the service, make sure people have unhindered access to advice and support and consider waiving the charge fee for the 0845 NHS Direct Wales number.”