Plan for non-urgent health number
July 9th, 2009 | Published in UK News | 1 Comment
A new non-emergency NHS number could be introduced across England, it has been announced.
Ofcom has launched a consultation on the 111 number ahead of pilots which are expected to take place next year.
The Department of Health said the number would provide an alternative to 999 in cases where people do not need to go to A&E.
This could include when they need information about out-of-hours GP services and walk-in centres.
The number is not intended to replace NHS Direct, but take the pressure off 999.
Estimates suggest up to half of 999 calls do not need an emergency response.
via BBC NEWS .
July 10th, 2009at 00:33(#)
Tee BBC headline is in error, it should read “non-emergency”. The service is very much for urgent cases and all those short of requiring the 999 emergency service.
Many will continue to pay premium rates to call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, which delivers revenue share income of one million pounds per annum.
Until this has been replaced by 111, an alternative number – 0345 4647 – must be made available. This need not be a permanent replacement; however it is already set up and ready for use.
The new (111) number must be priced bearing in mind that patients must not be paying NHS providers for NHS services and telephone companies must not be profiteering at the expense of the NHS. Whatever the fair rate that is set; there is no justification for excluding 111 from inclusive call packages.