15.06.12
More time granted for NHS 111 rollout
The NHS 111 rollout deadline has been extended, the Department of Health has announced.
The move follows significant concern from medical professionals that the deadline needed to be relaxed in order to allow the service to function effectively. Some doctors believed there was not enough time to learn lessons from the trials and existing services could come under strain in the rush to implement the new number.
NHS 111 was launched in August 2010 and currently operates in 10 areas aroundEngland. The areas with the new service will continue to run it.
The extension is up to six months on the original date – April 2013 – and may be granted to CCGs that apply. The clinical panel will soon publish criteria by which it will judge applications.
The letter, published on the Department of Health’s website, reads: “That extension will be by application to an expert clinical panel, and should not delay roll-out in those areas that are ready to move ahead.
“It will however, help ensure that in those areas that need it, time can be taken fully to engage local clinicians and build delivery models for NHS 111 that have the support and endorsement of all local stakeholders.”
Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the BMA’s GPs Committee, said: “We have been pressing the secretary of state to allow a delay for some time. The principle behind NHS 111 - making patient access to urgent NHS services easier - is a good one, unfortunately the speed of the rollout was putting this at risk.
“Hopefully now there will be sufficient time to ensure local clinicians are properly involved so services can be designed that will be safe, reliable and genuinely benefit patients.”
Nick Chapman, chief executive of NHS Direct - which 111 will replace - said: “The Department of Health’s decision to allow further time to plan and implement these national changes to the urgent and emergency care service is the right one.
“It will allow for greater clinical engagement and ensure that the service is the best it can be for patients.
“The decision to allow an extension means that the period of transition from the 0845 46 47 service to the new NHS 111 service is likely to be spread over the next 15 months, rather than over the next nine months.”
The deadline for extension applications is July 27.
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