A new three-digit number, 111, has been launched to make it easier for patients to access non-emergency NHS healthcare wherever they are, 24 hours a day.
The new service, launched in part of the North East of England, marks the first step towards a national roll out and is the beginning of a White Paper commitment to make care more accessible by introducing a single telephone number for every kind of non-emergency healthcare. The 111 service is free to call and is staffed by a team of fully trained call advisers, supported by nurses, who are on hand to assess callers’ needs and ensure they receive the right service as quickly as possible. It guides patients to a locally available service or provides appropriate advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The number can be used when patients need help fast but their symptoms are not life threatening, or when they do not know who to call. This will be useful outside of GP surgery hours and for people who are away from home. When someone calls 111, they will be assessed straight away. If it is an emergency, an ambulance will be despatched immediately, without the need for any further assessment. For any other health problems, the NHS 111 call advisers will be able to direct people to the service that is best able to meet their individual needs. For minor illnesses and injuries, the 111 service will be able to provide immediate medical advice.
