Seven north east London Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have awarded the first joint contract for an integrated NHS 111 and clinical assessment service to London Ambulance Service.
Reduced waiting times
The new service means that patients won’t have to wait for hours in A&E departments to speak to a clinician.
Seven north east London Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have awarded the first joint contract for an integrated NHS 111 and clinical assessment service to London Ambulance Service.
Reduced waiting times
The new service means that patients won’t have to wait for hours in A&E departments to speak to a clinician.
Dr Anwar Khan, lead chair for north east London Commissioning Alliance, said that ‘it’s the first time our local NHS organisations have come together in this way to plan for and buy services jointly’.
He said: ‘This is the way of the future as we shape services which are consistent across north east London, formed around local people and put their needs first.’
NHS 111 was designed for people who need advice or medical treatment quickly and can’t wait for an appointment with their doctor.
The new scheme was created with the help of the community, including young people, carers, older people, representatives of the traveller community and different faith groups, ‘to make sure it would truly meet the needs of those who live in the area’, continued Mr Khan.
Until now, people calling NHS 111 in the area were speaking to an adviser who would give them medical advice or put them in touch with services, such as Accident and Emergency (A&E) or out-of-hours- doctors.
NHS services involvement
From this summer, NHS 111 will involve GPs, nurses, paramedics and pharmacists, who will be able to provide urgent expert advice over the phone at any time of the day.
It will also be integrated with other urgent care services such, GP practices, GP hubs, mental health services, urgent care centres and pharmacies.
Dr Fenella Wrigley, medical director for London Ambulance Service, said: ‘We’re really pleased to be awarded the contract and have extensive experience providing urgent care.
‘This is good news for patients who, rather than be signposted to other services, will receive health advice, a prescription and an appointment for further treatment if needed, all from one call.’
North east London CCGs include Waltham Forest, Newham, Tower Hamlets, City and Hackney, Barking and Dagenham and Havering and Redbridge.
