NHS 111 is a new telephone number that has been introduced to help make it easier for patients to access local health services. It is designed for people who need help fast but who are not in an emergency situation.
The implementation of the new service follows a commitment by the Secretary of State for Health that the NHS 111 service will be in place across England by April 2013. In NHS South of Tyne and Wear (covering Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside), we are planning to introduce NHS 111 from September 2012.
NHS 111 is already live in four pilot areas - County Durham and Darlington, Nottingham City, Lincolnshire and Luton. These pilots launched in 2010 and are all performing well.
Over the coming months we will be working closely with partner organisations, healthcare providers, patients and the general public to raise awareness of NHS 111. There will also be a public information campaign.
Why has NHS 111 been developed?
We know that people can be confused by the range of healthcare services available and sometimes find it difficult to select the one that is most appropriate for their needs. NHS 111 makes it easier for people to get the right help at the right time by using an easy to remember three digit phone number.
NHS 111 will also take the pressure off the 999 service and local A&E departments by directing people to more appropriate services.
How does NHS 111 work?
Patients or their carers will ring 111 and a team of fully trained call advisers, supported by nurses, will assess their symptoms and put them directly in touch with the people who can help.
This could be an appointment at a walk-in or minor injury service, a recommendation to visit their GP, an out-of-hours doctor, an emergency dentist, or simply advice about where their nearest 24 hour chemist is located. NHS 111 can also send an ambulance, if one is needed.
NHS 111 will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls will be free from landlines and mobile phones.
What are the benefits of NHS 111?
A memorable, free number to give people better access, via one point of contact, for all non-emergency NHS services, 24 hours a day.
Increased efficiency by ensuring that people are able to quickly and easily access the right healthcare services to meet their needs, taking into account their location, the time of day and the capacity of local services.
Better integration between service providers to allow the forwarding of information and booking of appointments.
Improved information about the demands upon and the need for non-emergency healthcare, including identifying services which are currently over or under used.
Increased efficiency of the 999 ambulance service through a reduction in the number of non-emergency calls received and the number of avoidable emergency ambulance journeys.