NHS 111 ‘is steadily improving’

NHS 111 “is steadily improving”

Performance data for NHS 111 in April 2013 released by NHS England reveals the service is steadily improving and is highly rated by those who use it – 92 per cent were very or fairly satisfied with their NHS 111 experience.

However officials say some providers continue to fail to meet the standards set, especially at weekends. In a statement, NHS England says its role is to support CCGs as commissioners of services:

“It is our absolute priority to ensure patients get a high quality, safe service wherever they live and where providers are failing to meet standards, NHS England is working with local CCGs who took over the commissioning of the NHS 111 service on 1 April 2013 to ensure these providers have plans in place to improve and meet the required standards.”

In April, there were 566,532 calls to the service compared to 360,526 the previous month. The majority of NHS 111 services in England are now meeting the performance standards (87 per cent of calls answered in 60 seconds and just 4 per cent of calls were abandoned after waiting longer than 30 seconds).

NHS England says it is also working with CCGs across England to consider all aspects of the NHS 111 service and ensure the service is designed and commissioned in the best possible way to meet the needs of patients and the public.

“Our focus continues to be on making sure that providers of services in problem areas meet the terms of their action plans to boost performance for our patients,” it says.

The NHS 111 service was introduced to deal with public concern and frustration in accessing NHS care, especially at weekends and out of hours. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free, and the service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Source OnMedica News