Ambulance service not hitting 111 call targets as a result of low pay

111 call targets are not being met by The South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), and it is thought that a lack of recruitment as a result of low pay is the main cause.

SCAS must respond to 95% of incoming calls within 60 seconds. In February 2019, only 66% of calls were answered within this timeframe.

The NHS has stated that it has been extremely challenging to hire enough call handlers, and this with the combination of an increased demand for emergency services has resulted in the 111 call targets not being met.

Between May 2018 and February 2019, the number of calls being answered in the first minute has dropped by 20.8%.

A specialist medical negligence lawyer said: “It is worrying that only over half of the calls received at the 111 service, are picked up within the requisite timescale. It is extremely important that a patient’s concerns are dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner, especially with a serious condition where every second counts. Speediness is vital in ensuring each individual receives the appropriate care at the earliest opportunity. It is positive that the SCAS have begun to recruit more members and it may be that certain measures are to be put in place to ensure constant adherence to call response times.”