Rolling out the NHS 111 service
On 4 August 2011, the Department of Health wrote to all Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) requesting submission of their plans for the roll out of the NHS 111 service.
These plans are intended to identify how national coverage for the NHS 111 service will be achieved by April 2013, building on the four current pilots, the ten further pilots scheduled to go live this year, and five procurements of service that are due to be launched this year.
SHAs have now been asked to submit plans for the remaining areas of the country, developed with the support of Clinical Commissioning Groups and PCTs, setting out details of the geography to be covered, the preferred operating model for the service, and the proposed date for go-live of the service or the timescale for procurement. The plans are to be submitted to the Department by 23 September 2011.
The letter also states that, where plans to roll out NHS 111 are not finalised to meet the April 2013 deadline, the NHS Operations Board has agreed that an "opt-in" service will be provided. NHS Direct is preparing to work in partnership with Ambulance Trusts and GP OOHs providers in areas where plans to roll out NHS 111 are not finalised in order to meet the April 2013 deadline.
View a copy of the letter from the Department of Health.
NHS Direct has established strong partnerships with commissioners and local providers in all four current NHS 111 pilots and we are committed to continuing this approach, both for areas where pilots or procurements will go ahead and for any areas where the opt-in model may be required. Any SHA or PCT that wishes to discuss how NHS Direct can support them in developing and delivering the NHS 111 service should contact their Regional Director.
Related Links
NHS links
Local teams
To discuss how we can tailor make our services to your requirements, why not get in touch with our regional director in your area?
