Replacing NHS Direct with NHS 111 by 2013

5 August 2011

The NHS has written to Strategic Health Authorities in England to request confirmation of plans for full roll-out of the NHS 111 service which is to replace the NHS Direct helpline number 0845 4647 in each region by April 2013.

The letter says: “It is essential that we now start to finalise arrangements to meet that deadline.

“As you will know, NHS 111 is already live in four pilot areas - County Durham and Darlington, Nottingham City, Lincolnshire and Luton. These pilots launched in 2010 and are being independently evaluated by University of Sheffield over the course of a year of live operation. They are all performing well, with County Durham & Darlington showing a significant decrease in A&E attendances. Just as importantly, patient satisfaction with the service is high in all areas.

“A further ten pilot sites are launching this year.”