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New 111 service will be better than NHS Direct - Burstow
August 31, 2010 12:42 PM
Originally published by UK Liberal Democrats
Originally published by UK Liberal Democrats
A new phone number for health problems will benefit patients, says Lib Dem Health Minister Paul Burstow MP. The Coalition Government announced the intention to establish "NHS 111" (to replace NHS Direct) in the Health White Paper in July. The new service is being piloted in four areas before being rolled out in 2013.
Liberal Democrat Health Minister, Paul Burstow said: "NHS 111 will build on NHS Direct but will go further providing a much more integrated service for the public.
"Unlike NHS Direct, NHS 111 will be free to call. NHS Direct can only signpost other services but NHS 111 will be able to book a GP appointment and go straight through to local out of hours services. If you do need an ambulance, "NHS 111" will cut out the need to go through the 999 service assessment.
"NHS 111 will ensure that people are put in touch with the right health professional first time. By doing that the new service will reduce the pressure on 999 services and A&E departments.
"This is a simple, cost effective idea: from 2013 people can ring 111 for non life threatening health concerns and 999 when it is a matter of life or death."
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