111, what’s your non-emergency?
Released 23/08/2010
Non-emergency health number to be piloted
Trials of a three-digit telephone number for those in need of non-emergency medical care have been launched in the North East of England.
NHS County Durham and Darlington Primary Care Trusts are to pilot the free 111 number, to act as an alternative to 999, followed by Nottingham, Lincolnshire and Luton.
The government service will not initially replace NHS Direct, but may do so in the longer term if it works. In this case, it will become available nationwide.
Those calling the number will have access to health advice and information about local services including out-of-hours GPs, walk-in centres, emergency dentists and 24-hour pharmacies.
It is hoped it will take the pressure off 999 calls, amid estimates suggesting that up to half of these calls do not need an emergency response.
Anyone calling the number with a genuine emergency will be directed to 999.
"It is essential that we improve access to, and understanding about, urgent care services, which includes out-of-hours care," said health secretary Andrew Lansley. "At present, too many people are confused about who to contact and how to do so. By putting in place one, easily memorable 111 number for all urgent enquiries to run alongside the emergency 999 number we will simplify NHS services for patients."
Medical director of NHS North East, professor Stephen Singleton, felt the new number would aid future commissioning of local services: "The introduction of the NHS 111 service in County Durham and Darlington is an important part of our regional vision to improve access to urgent healthcare for local people. By better understanding what people really need from different local services, 111 will enable the commissioning of more effective and productive health care."
Ambulance service network director, Jo Webber added: "This number will be the vital missing piece in the jigsaw of providing much more joined up urgent and emergency services bringing together GPs in and out of hours care, walk-in and urgent care centres, minor injuries units, social care and mental health services and community nursing teams."
Is your practice in one of the pilot areas? Will this have an impact on your service? We want to hear from you. Email editor@practicebusiness.co.uk with your comments and thoughts.
Source: BBC
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