NHS 111 phone line to undergo ‘fundamental’ reform

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said that, following a report into the unnecessary death of a child, the NHS 111 phone line service is to undergo a ‘fundamental’ reform.

The phone service was introduced in early 2014 in order to replace the NHS Direct phone line. The change was criticised due to the fact that NHS Direct call handlers consisted mainly of nursing staff, whereas the new service employed non-clinician staff in their call centres.

Mr Hunt said that changes to the system may help combat future problems, also saying that the service could be reformed to make it simpler.

He told MPs “With respect to 111, I think there are some things that we can do quickly in response to this report, but I think there is a more fundamental change we can make to 111 as well.

“The thing we can do quickly is to look at the algorithms that are used by the call handlers to make sure that they are sensitive to those red flag signs of sepsis. This is a very important thing that needs to happen.

“The issue is that there are too many choices and you can’t always get through quickly to the help that you need. We need to improve the simplicity of the system where you aren’t asked a barrage of questions but where you get through to clinical care more quickly so you simplify the options.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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