Dorset NHS 111 service has England's quickest response times
We're urged to use the service to take pressure off GPs and hospitals
Last updated 6th Feb 2024
People in Dorset calling the NHS 111 service are having their calls answered more quickly than anywhere else in England.
New stats shows the Dorset call handlers take an average of just over 17 seconds to pick up a request for medical help.
That's the fastest response time across the country.
Over 92% of all calls were answered within a minute during 2023 and every call was picked up in less than two minutes.
NHS 111 operators can provide expert advice and arrange for people to access the care they need – reducing unnecessary trips to hospital emergency departments and the long waits which may follow.
We're now being urged to make use of the services, if it's not a life-threatening situation, but you can't wait to see a GP.
When using the 111 service, patients are given direct advice or booked in for a face-to-face appointment at the appropriate site, such as a minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centre.
Dan McKie, Dorset HealthCare’s integrated urgent care operational lead, said:
“Our 111 staff can support you to access the right care in the right place at the right time. This will help reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and avoid people attending there when they don’t need to.
“If you do call at a busy time, please be patient – we will get to your call as quickly as possible.”
If you, or someone you are with, needs urgent care – call 999 and ask for an ambulance.