The NHS 111 telephone service has now been fully launched in Berkshire, after extensive trials.
Latest statement from South Reading NHS CCG (30th July 2013):
" We are using South Central Ambulance Service, a respected and stable service which provides 999 call handling, to provide the NHS111 service for Berkshire. It has a strong clinical presence in the form of nurse practitioners and paramedics supporting the call handlers. Since phasing in the service performance has been closely monitored and has met Department of Health standards for strong performance. Across the whole of Berkshire more than 45,000 calls have been received since the service went live. So far there is a 25% reduction in GP Out of Hours activity and below national average referrals to 999 of 7%. Over 96% of calls are answered within 60 seconds. As Commissioners we are satisfied the public in Berkshire are getting a safe and strongly performing service that we will continue to monitor and improve. Although NHS 111 has experienced difficulties elsewhere in the country, we would like to reassure people that the service in Berkshire provides a high quality, safe and effective service for patients. However, it is under continuous review by the CCGs in Berkshire to ensure this level of service is maintained."
The 111 service has been introduced and then withdrawn after catastrophic failure elsewhere, but here it has been carefully trialled and is being managed by the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
Here is the official announcement.
The NHS 111 telephone service has now been successfully launched in Berkshire. NHS 111 is the number to call if someone needs medical help fast but they are not in a life-threatening situation. The service went live in July after undergoing a series of tests and assurance processes.
The easy to remember, free to call number is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help people access the care they need, wherever they are and no matter what time of day it is. On dialling 111 callers are put through to a team of highly trained advisers, and experienced nurses and paramedics, receive a clinical assessment and are directed to the local service that can help them best at that time. This could be by providing details of the nearest pharmacy, direction to an appropriate service such as the GP out of hours service or even dispatching an ambulance if this is required.
The service will increase the efficiency of the NHS by directing people to the right service at the right time and by avoiding delays and inappropriate use of services.such as 999 and Accident and Emergency departments, enabling them to be used by those who really need them.
There are only three number people need to know, 999 for life-threatening emergencies, their GP surgery for routine health conditions and 111 for urgent/unplanned health conditions or when they are unsure of which service to access.
How 111 Works
- Free to dial, including from a mobile, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Immediate clinical assessment by trained call handlers, supported by experienced clinicians
- Ability to refer callers to other providers without the caller being re-triaged
- Ability to transfer clinical assessment data to other providers
- Ability to provide health information or reassurance, including self-care
- Replaces the old NHS Direct phone number (0845-46-47)
The provider of the NHS 111 service for residents in Berkshire is South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. NHS 111 now takes the calls to GP out of hours services and NHS Direct and any numbers previously used to access these services will have messages advising callers to dial 111.
If you have any questions about NHS 111 in Berkshire please email nhs111berkshire.feedback@nhs.net