This winter, NHS England is launching a national campaign- supported by local health and care systems-to encourage people to use 111 (telephone and online) as their first port of call if they are feeling unwell and don't know what to do.
Callers to 111 will be triaged via established 111 pathways and local directory of services. Where patients are identified as needing to attend in person at the hospital they can be allocated a time slot to attend. Whilst this new facility won't be explicitly promoted as an 'ED appointment system' to avoid a lengthy wait, it is intended to help manage flow and capacity within the system.
Current distancing and infection control requirements mean healthcare facilities are operating with reduced capacity within their waiting areas to protect both patients and staff from Covid and flu transmission. The allocation of timed attendance slots will help patients get the medical help they need whilst minimising the time spent in waiting room areas.
Whist 111 is the preferred pathway for patients to access in the first instance, no one will be turned away from an urgent or emergency service if they haven't made contact via 111. After being assessed, they may however be asked to attend a service more appropriate to their need, such as GP surgery or pharmacy.
