The local launch of a new NHS phone service has been delayed for a second time because of problems being experienced by patients using a pilot scheme.
The free NHS 111 service had been due to start in early April across Bath and north east Somerset and Wiltshire to replace the telephone triage and advice services provided by NHS Direct and local GP out-of-hours arrangements.
But the launch of the new regime, which is being tested locally to help identify problems and rectify them before the service goes live, was then delayed for a month.
Today, the Bath & North East Somerset and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Groups announced the launch had been deferred again, until June.
The introduction of the new service run by Harmoni has proved controversial across the country, with ambulance unions blaming it for a rise in 999 calls.
It aims to act as a one-stop shop for patients whose healthcare need is urgent, but not a 999 emergency.
B&NES CCG spokesman Dr Simon Douglass said there had been progress, but that the service was not yet ready to cope with all such calls.
"Performance is continuing to improve, but we know that some patients and providers are still experiencing some problems with getting through to the service as well as delays in receiving treatment particularly during busy weekend periods.
"We'd like to apologise for this and reassure patients that we are continuing to work with our NHS 111 provider, Harmoni, to resolve the remaining issues before the service is launched in full. We have seen a reduction in the number of 999 ambulances dispatched by the NHS 111 service, and an encouraging improvement in the number of those ambulance call-outs that result in patients requiring transfer to hospital or another service."
The CCGs - which came into existence at the start of April - say they have decided to defer the full launch of NHS 111 "until all such issues are resolved."
They said: "Both CCGs and Harmoni are committed to providing a safe and high quality NHS 111 service, and contingency plans, involving the established local out-of-hours GP service for patients, have been in place throughout this period.
"NHS England supports the CCGs' decision and is working alongside them to ensure that the service meets national requirements."
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
