PATIENT NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2013
111 – the new NHS number to call
A new telephone service – NHS 111 – is now available across Yorkshire and the Humber. NHS 111 will make it easier for you to access local health services, when you have an urgent need. If you need to contact the NHS for urgent care there are only three numbers to know: your GP surgery, 111 for urgent healthcare advice and 999 for life-threatening emergencies.
When you call 111 you will be assessed, given advice and directed straight away to the local service that can help you best – that could be an out-of-hours doctor, walk-in centre or urgent care centre, community nurse, emergency dentist or late opening chemist.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is free to call from landlines and mobile phones.
The service is currently being rolled out across the country with a full national service due to be introduced by October 2013.On dialing 111 a team of fully-trained advisors and experienced nurses will assess your condition and direct you to the local service that can help you best, when you need it. The NHS 111 team will, where possible, book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to. If they think you need an ambulance, one will be sent just as quickly as if you had dialled 999.
Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale CCG
NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is made up of 17 GP practices who have taken over some of the responsibilities of primary care trusts (PCTs) from April 2013. The CCG will ensure that clinical people like GPs and nurses are more involved in deciding what services should be provided for local people.
Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG serves a population of 155,781. In the area there is a high incidence of heart disease and high levels of obesity. There are increasing levels of mental health problems, a diverse population – with areas of deprivation and affluence – as well as a very high number of older people.
AWC CCG Vision
To be a leading CCG through successful integration and transformation of health and social care, the introduction of innovative, improved clinical pathways, sound financial management and by being a model employer and developing future clinical leaders.
AWC CCG Values
Excellent patient experience; better health; and wise use of money.
AWC CCG Key Priorities
- transforming planned care and long-term conditions
- transformation and integration of health and social care for adult and children’s
services - reducing health inequalities and increasing health promotion
- transforming mental health and urgent care services
- maintaining safe, high quality and effective care.