A group is to investigate the service in Scotland

A group set up to look into the advice service will make recommendations on areas for improvement by May.

The move was announced by Jack McConnell at First Minister's Question Time in the Scottish Parliament.

An executive spokesman said there had been delays in callers being phoned back at weekends.

But he played down fears that the operation was not performing, saying it was important to review any new service.

NHS 24 needs to be delivering a higher quality of performance than it has been able to do in the past Jack McConnell First Minister

Mr McConnell was responding to a question from Labour MSP Elaine Murray, who asked what action was being taken to "improve staffing levels in NHS 24".

He said: "NHS 24 is a very, very important service but it needs to be delivering a higher quality of performance, more consistently than it has been able to do in the past."

'Issues need resolved'

Health Minister Andy Kerr added: "NHS 24 has provided a quality service for tens of thousands of callers who use its services every month.

"But as with any new organisation, there are always issues that need to be resolved and improvements that can be made.

"Whilst the vast majority of the service works efficiently and effectively, it is very important that public concerns are addressed."

'Morale damaged'

James Kennedy, director of nursing union RCN Scotland, said NHS 24 staff were working under "considerable pressure".

He added: "The continuing criticism of the service is damaging morale and it is imperative that this review is undertaken in partnership with staff both at a local level and on the national review group."

On Thursday, the Herald newspaper reported that NHS 24 was considering using non-medical advisers to answer calls. The move would reduce pressure on its nursing staff.