UK’s 111 Phone Service Success Despite Recent Criticism, NHS Claims

UK National Health Service claims that 111 number, aimed at providing urgent medical help in non-life-threatening situations, has shown to be a success despite recent media criticism.

MOSCOW, January 31 (Sputnik) — The UK National Health Service’s (NHS) 111 number, aimed at providing urgent medical help in non-life-threatening situations, has shown to be a success despite recent media criticism, the NHS told Sputnik.

On Thursday, the Independent reported, citing an insider that the NHS 111 phone service was struggling to provide proper help due to a shortage of medically trained personnel. Callers were reportedly also forced to wait longer for an answer than the target time of one minute.

“Like the rest of the NHS, NHS 111 experienced a huge demand over the festive period with record levels of calls received… As a result, there were times when callers to the service may have experienced a longer wait during peak periods,” the NHS said Friday.

In December, the 111 number received a record-breaking 1,398,166 calls, or 45 thousand per day, the health service said.

“In spite of this pressure, the proportion of callers who were referred to A&E [Accident and Emergency] departments and ambulances actually fell during this period,” the NHS stated.

The 111 number played a major part in addressing patients' needs and reducing pressures on other parts of the national health care system, the health service said, adding that the increase in demand serves as a testament to the success of the NHS 111 number.