Statement from Dr Joe McGilligan
I have been quoted on the front page of today’s Daily Telegraph in an article about NHS Direct and the new 111 number.
To allay any fears, I met with NHS Direct in January to explore linking our new unscheduled care model with the 111 number and the Ambulance service. Links have been made between this idea and NHS Direct booking GP appointments. This is not the case, but it could be a possibility in the future from the out-of-hours facility and needs to be explored.
There is absolutely no intention of receptionist redundancies or depersonalising the practice/patient relationship. The quote “I’d launch it tomorrow” was about starting a pilot to test the idea and in reality it will take up to six months to implement if we decide, after consultation, that this is the best way forward.
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