Integrated NHS 111 and OOH service launched

Five North London Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have come together to launch an integrated NHS 111 and out-of-hours (OOH) service run by the London Central and West Unscheduled Care Collaborative (LCW).

The LCW has been running the 111 service for just over three years, and with Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington CCGs providing the services under one single provider, patients will benefit from receiving the appropriate care from nurses, GPs and pharmacists.

Additionally, patients will get help more quickly, spend less time being passed between different parts of the NHS, and will not have to repeat their story multiple times.

Dr Sam Shah, clinical lead for the integrated 111 and OOH service, said: “Bringing these two services together is a hugely important first step in improving urgent care services for patients in north central London.

“Patients won’t notice an immediate difference, but the new service will enable the NHS to support more patients, more quickly and more conveniently.”

Dr Debbie Frost, chair of Barnet CCG, added: “Local residents can phone 111 when they have a health concern that is urgent but not serious enough for A&E.

“They’ll speak to trained advisers first and there are always clinicians on hand to provide expert medical advice. 111 will also make it easier for patients to access a whole range of other health and care services.”