NHS: 111 Telephone Service

Baroness Masham of Ilton Excerpts

Monday 13th May 2013 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, I hope the noble Lord will understand that I cannot comment on Lewisham because it is sub judice. I do not accept that the advice that Sir Bruce gave was ill founded.

[Baroness Masham of Ilton]

The Minister said that there had been confusion in the past. There is even more confusion now. Does he not agree that there should be some publicity for the general public so that they know where to go?

[Earl Howe]

I agree. NHS England and clinical commissioning groups are engaged in that publicity. I think it will be a while before the general public are fully aware of what NHS 111 has to offer, but I have in my brief a series of very complimentary testimonials about 111 that show that many members of the public are already enjoying its benefits.