Public urged to call NHS 111 before travelling to Salisbury District Hospital for care
New initiative aims to reduce waiting times and unnecessary visits.
Last updated 1st Dec 2020
The scheme launched today (Tuesday December 1st) encourages people to contact NHS 111, before travelling to hospital or minor injuries treatment units, for urgent and emergency care in Wiltshire.
Think 111 First is aiming to reduce waiting times by asking anyone contacting the service online or phone before they visit.
Patients will be then be directed to the most appropriate healthcare service.
If someone contacting NHS 111 does need urgent or emergency care, they'll be given a slot at the nearest relevant department.
It's hoped this will not only help patients to be seen quicker, but will also reduce unnecessary visits to the region's healthcare sites, including Salisbury District Hospital.
Dr Andrew Girdher, Clinical Chair Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, said:
"Our NHS is managing traditional winter pressures along with the additional demands of the coronavirus pandemic, so it’s important we direct people who could be treated safely in other locations away from our hospitals, where space has significantly reduced due to social distancing requirements.
We know that around 30 per cent of people in emergency departments arrive by ambulance or GP referral, and that a significant proportion of the remaining patients could be seen safely, and often more quickly, elsewhere.
Think 111 First has already been trialled in other parts of the country, where positive results have been seen, including a drop in the number of people going to emergency departments and we are confident that similar success can be felt in our region.
Getting Think 111 First up and running in our region has been a complex project, which has involved close and collaborative working from all parts of the health and care system, and I would like to thank all our partners for their commitment and ability to work at pace."
People with very serious or life-threatening health conditions, such as chest pain, severe bleeding or loss of consciousness, should still continue to phone 999 without delay.
More information about Think 111 First can be found at www.bswccg.nhs.uk.