111 Procurement
A new three-digit number – 111 – will make it easier for patients to access non-emergency NHS healthcare wherever they are, 24 hours a day. The new service marks the first step towards a national roll out in 2013 and is the beginning of a significant single telephone number for every kind of non-emergency health care.
The 111 service is free to call and is staffed by a team of fully trained call advisers, supported by nurses, who are on hand to assess callers’ needs and ensure they receive the right service as quickly as possible. It guides patients to a locally available service or provides appropriate advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The number can be used when you need help fast but it is not life threatening, or when you do not know who to call. This will be particularly useful outside of GP surgery hours and for people who are away from home. When someone calls 111, they will be assessed straight away. If it is an emergency, an ambulance will be dispatched immediately without the need for any further assessment. For any other health problems, the NHS 111 call advisers will be able to direct people to the service that is best able to meet their individual needs. For minor illnesses and injuries, the 111 service will be able to provide immediate medical advice.
The PCT intends to procure the 111 service in line with the current national programme to implement a 111 service across the NHS. The PCT will leading the procurement of the 111 service for the patient population of Bedfordshire. Details of the procurement will be published early in 2012 and a bidder event will be held on 11 January. See details in the download section below.