Confusion around the new NHS 111 number may have added to the huge burden on hospitals, Medway’s hospital chief has admitted.

Hospitals across Kent declared a crisis a few weeks ago as they faced unprecedented patient numbers amid cold weather.

It was at the same time a non-urgent helpline, 111, replaced the Medway On Call Care phone line and NHS Direct.

Anonymous staff had already claimed newly-hired advisors for 111 would “rather be safe than sorry” and send more people to A&E.

An NHS spokesman strongly refuted the claim, saying advisors were given proper training.

But Medway Maritime Hospital chief executive Mark Devlin said: “It would be wrong to say it was the cause. It was a contributing factor.”

He explained: “We were under pressure before 111 was switched on. Whether it prolonged the pressure or added to it, who can say, but it has caused some confusion on a national basis and any new system takes some bedding-in time.”

He added: “I think Medway Maritime has coped very well. It’s to the credit of our staff.”