Extra £1m for Dorset's 111 service

It follows an increase in demand

Published 18th Nov 2021

An extra £1 million pounds is being invested into the NHS 111 service in Dorset this winter.

There's been a big jump in demand with almost 102,000 calls in July, August and September.

That's more than 1,100 every day in Dorset alone.

Health bosses say efforts are continuing to improve the service, including recruiting more staff.

A spokesperson for Dorset HealthCare said: “In recent months, the volume of calls to our NHS 111 service has risen sharply, and this trend will almost certainly continue as we head into winter.

"NHS England/Improvement has allocated £1 million to help us increase the number of health advisors and clinicians to meet demand over the coming months."

“Using 111 or contacting your GP is the best way for people to get help for their urgent care needs. Care and advice can often be provided remotely, saving on unnecessary travel and long waits in busy minor injuries units or emergency departments.

"If face-to-face support is required, it will be arranged as quickly as possible.”