26 February 2018
The NHS is to revamp its heavily criticised 111 telephone helpline to ensure that many more people get to discuss their illness with a nurse, doctor or other health professional rather than a call handler.
A recent article in the Daily Mail reports the tragic death of a 10-month-old baby after mistakes made by an NHS 111 caller.
When the baby’s mother called NHS 111 to say her son was sick, the operator ran through a number of standard questions with her. Following the call she took her son to an out-of-hours GP, who did not diagnose her son’s condition – an intestinal blockage.
The baby’s condition worsened and his parents took him to York Hospital, where unfortunately, the Hospital could not save him.
At a recent Inquest, Coroner John Broadbridge concluded “If responses to a triage telephone call had been appropriately processed, the baby would have been presented at Hospital and assessed, and the outcome different”.
He went on to state that “questions as set out on the screen” for NHS call handlers were already in hand, as a direct result of the baby’s death.
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service, which delivers NHS 111 across the region, have confirmed national changes have been made, and the learning from this has been used to review processes within NHS 111 call centres locally and nationally.
If you have been affected by mistakes made by NHS 111, then call Williamsons Solicitors on 01482 323697 so we can discuss your concerns.
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