East of England Ambulance Service Trust has raised concerns about the roll out of the 111 service. Its May board papers note that existing 111 schemes have been associated with higher 999 calls but this is not reflected in any agreement with commissioners and or in the changes associated with cost improvement plans. In addition, the trust cannot retriage patients judged by the 111 service as needing a 999 response.
The trust recently tendered to provide 111 services in Great Yarmouth and Waveney but was unsuccessful and now has to work with the new provider. Board members were concerned that the memorandum of understanding with the new provider stipulated response times which had not been agreed with commissioners and could impact on ambulance demand management plans.
The Quality & risk assurance committee report is available.
