Shropshire’s out-of-hours GP service was a “knight in shining armour” for the county when the new 111 NHS helpline went into meltdown. The helpline, operated by NHS Direct, was launched in April to provide a non-emergency health service, but it soon became overwhelmed by the volume of calls.
We have been working with NHS Direct, NHS England and the NHS Trust Development Authority over the past few months to identify and agree suitable providers to support the transition of NHS111 and to strengthen the service for patients whilst we look for a long term model.
The Secretary of State’s comments on out of hours care are grossly unfair and misguided, and will be met with disbelief from millions of patients who have been well served by our services over the last decade.
A NATIONWIDE out-of-hours medical helpline will not be rolled out in Shropshire for at least 18 months, an Oswestry doctor has revealed. Dr Paul Middleton said the introduction of the NHS 111 service has been delayed after it was “deemed unsafe” in the West Midlands.
An “urgent” review of the NHS helpline in England will be carried out, after allegations that its service has been “chaotic” in some areas.
Download this article from the Shropshire Star, dated Tuesday 14 May 2013.
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