Telephone numbers at two local hospitals are changing.

Nova Scotia Health says four-digit extensions are being eliminated at Yarmouth Regional and Roseway in Shelburne.

That means there will be a new, seven-digit number for every 902 phone line.

The authority says this eliminates the need for patients to call the switchboard, and gets them directly through to an office or department.

They add the change is necessary because too many 911 calls were made in error to the hospital.