Has 111 been a help or an hindrance to the NHS ??

[Jedi boro]

I think it started with good intentions but I think it’s now become something a little more subversive.

I’m interesting in what those who work on the NHS think of it and the impact it’s had.

 

[Nano]

I think it started with good intentions but I think it’s now become something a little more subversive.

I’m interesting in what those who work on the NHS think of it and the impact it’s had.

It's just another part of the system that was introduced to improve efficiency by cutting costs. You can't keep asking people to do more for less. If the whole system was properly funded it would be a good idea but it is a downgrade on what people had (GP Out of hours service) and in turn leads to more people turning up at A&E.

 

[Jedi boro]

It's just another part of the system that was introduced to improve efficiency by cutting costs. You can't keep asking people to do more for less. If the whole system was properly funded it would be a good idea but it is a downgrade on what people had (GP Out of hours service) and in turn leads to more people turning up at A&E.

Yes that’s how I see it as well as it seems to have replaced the contact with your GP to something more akin to a call centre.

 

[Andy_W]

I'm not sure if it's used correctly, doing what it was intended to, or if people know it's there and what it's for? Every time I've used it, its been more than helpful, which is good, especially when you can't get through to the GP.

It shouldn't have to be the fallback plan to the GP mind, the GP should be the fallback plan to 111, or maybe could be for the majority of more minor issues, which don't need a GP.

 

[Randy]

I think it started with good intentions but I think it’s now become something a little more subversive.

I’m interesting in what those who work on the NHS think of it and the impact it’s had.

A great help. From personal experience anyways. Instead of sitting in A+E for 8 hours I was given an appointment and seen by a doctor straight away last year when I had my kidney issues.

 

[Randy]

Also a plus point, the dental side of the 111 service is a lot easier to get an appointment than ringing an actual dentist where you are mugged off even if your in immense pain.

 

[Smoginexile]

I've only ever had good experiences with 111.
Sometimes they have sent out an ambulance to me.
When I didn't think it was that bad but it turned out I was wrong.
They stayed with me until the ambulance arrived on one occasion.
Brilliant people who really do care in my experience.

 

[Greaseman]

Recently used it. It worked fine. I knew i needed antibiotics to clear a bronchial problem. Got a call back from a doctor and he administered a prescription to pick up at a local chemist.
Prior to that, I struggled to get an appointment at my GPs surgery.
I believe A&E is packed out because GPs are failing and most people are probably in there to get antibiotics.

 

[Stocko]

111 is a good service that triages patients to get them what they need, whether it’s nip to the chemist with 30p for paracetamol or sending an ambulance, yes people had the gp out of hours service where the doc turned up within the hour, only to call an ambulance or write you a prescription for paracetamol to collect from the chemist.