WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Harriett Baldwin has called for a review of the 111 non-emergency call line to help to reduce pressure on local accident and emergency units.
The easy-to-remember phone number replaced the old 0845 4747 number last year and it allows people to call up and get health advice from home 24 hours a day.
The algorithm used to handle 111 calls often suggests that people seek one-to-one help from the local A&E unit rather than identifying a nearby minor injuries unit or out-of-hours surgery if appropriate.
The system is currently not able to link postcodes to local minor injuries units, usually located at community hospitals, and Harriett has asked Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to investigate whether the system can be localised.
Harriett commented: “The 111 phone line is a useful resource that supplements the GPs’ out-of-hours service and can help people get medical advice without having to leave their home.
“However, I am told that the system means that call handlers only offer the local A&E unit rather than suggesting visiting a minor injuries unit, which is often nearer.
“Often local MIUs are much less busy and can deal with cuts, broken bones and minor conditions in a few minutes.
“I have asked the Health Secretary to look into this and see what can be done to amend the 111 call handling system to allow a wider range of options and help to take some of the pressure off our local A&E units.