29.05.13
Wales considers introducing NHS 111 helpline
The NHS 111 number is being considered for Wales and currently being developed – though doctors have warned that rushing it through with too little consideration, as they say happened in England, could “cause chaos and destabilise emergency services”.
Proposals to replace NHS Direct Wales with the new non-emergency number will go before the Welsh Government’s health minister Mark Drakeford in the coming months.
They form part of a broader plan to tackle pressure on emergency health services in Wales, with the work being led by Cwm Taf Health Board chairman Dr Chris Jones.
Dr Charlotte Jones, a member of BMA Cymru’s GPs’ committee, told Wales Online: “This is a real opportunity in Wales to have an integrated service, working closely with the ambulance service and particularly social care colleagues so if a patient needs advice or help from these services they can have access to the right person at the right rime rather than having to go through various different ones.”
But she added: “We are aware that various models are being looked at and no decision has been made as yet. But what we don’t want to see is the situation in England where it was rushed through with little consideration.
“Getting it wrong would not only cause chaos and destabilise emergency services – it would potentially lead to dangerous services for patients which would not be countenanced by GPC (General Practitioners Committee) Wales nor BMA. However, as the system has yet to be determined we remain in critical constructive dialogue.”
There have been concerns in England that the new 111 helpline is not adequately dealing with patient demand – though ministers have said the situation is improving.
A Welsh Government spokeswoman said the service should be simpler to use, safe and reliable, and hoped it would address pressures in the unscheduled care system.
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