Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust are intending to take over the running of Dorset’s NHS 111 urgent care service after South Western Ambulance Service Trust withdrew their contract last year.
During July last year South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) announced they would be withdrawing from providing the NHS 111 phone service due to staffing shortages.
Most recent statistics from NHS England shows that more than 19,000 phone calls were triaged during the month of December 2019.
The statistics reveal that more than 14,000 of the calls were answered within 60 seconds which is 72% of the overall calls.
More than 2,700 ambulances were also dispatched.
Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust intend to take over the urgent care service and introduce a new IT system by April.
A spokesperson for Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust has confirmed that Dorset Healthcare have expressed their intention to provide the service.
They are currently going through the process with CCG to ensure they have the necessary skills, staff and infrastructure in place to provide safe, high quality and effective service, and to ensure the transfer is seamless for patients.
What is NHS 111?
NHS 111 is a 24-hour helpline for patients that need advice on non-urgent medical help.
Callers will answer questions on their symptoms where an advisor can refer them to A&E or dispatch an ambulance if deemed necessary.
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