This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Inquiry into NHS 111 launched
An inquiry has been launched into the NHS 111 non-emergency helpline, after reports found staff without sufficient medical training were answering urgent phone calls.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, a number of 17 year-olds had been recruited to the service in 2015 to meet call-answering targets.
The teenage staff did not have sufficient medical training and were reportedly only authorised to take patients details and offer basic advice, but are said to have answered urgent call instead.
In response to these reports, the care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced that it will investigate the allegations levied towards the helpline, with staff at the service covering Devon, Dorset and Cornwall set to be interviewed.
Ruth Rankine, CQC deputy chief inspector, said: "These allegations are unacceptable. We take them extremely seriously and are planning to carry out an early inspection to investigate.
"We have also been working closely with commissioners and local partners to make sure patients are safe.
"It is critical that patients using urgent and emergency care are assured it is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led."
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