Demand for the Isle of Wight’s 111 service has increased by 38% in the last 5 years, new figures have revealed.
The non-emergency telephone service has been based on the Island since 2012. Islanders can phone advisers and clinicians when they need medical help or guidance and be referred, if necessary, to a range of health providers.
Victoria White, director of operations for the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, told members of the Isle of Wight Council’s health scrutiny committee on Monday that the Island’s 111 service is 1 of the most used in the country and there has always been a good take-up.
Currently, the service is receiving between 8,500 and 10,000 calls a month with an average call lasting 6 minutes and 30 seconds. In 2022, handlers received more than 112,700 calls. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the service received more than 120,000 in 1 year.
A question was raised by the committee about the number of patients phoning 111 and being booked in to speak to a GP – 82% on average between October 2022 and March 2023. The national average is 55%.
Committee members questioned whether it was a positive or negative, and wondered if calls were being made as an alternative to speaking to their GP surgery.
Dr Michele Legg, clinical director for the Island on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, said for many years Islanders have been told to contact 111 1st and she said this is reflected in the high numbers.
Ms White said 111 had worked closely with the primary care sector to be able to connect patients with their GP surgery, while Dr Legg, a GP in Ryde, said appointments are held specifically for 111 bookings – patients are diverted there if it is appropriate.
The 111 service is also seeing an increase in the number of online users, the meeting was told.
How much has the Island population increased in the last five years?
I know of a road with new properties built three years ago, out of nine houses seven were bought by people moving from the mainland.
The island population has decreased. Everyone knows that except for you!
That’s wrong I am afraid.
Between the 2011 and 2021 censuses the population of the Island increased by 2,200 (138,300 to 140,500). It is now estimated to be in the order of 141,600.
The population of those aged under 65 has decreased, though, with those in the key (for employment) 35 to 49 age group falling by over 5000 and large drops the number of school age children (hence the issues with primary schools closing).
Pretty much all of the population growth on the Island is due to people moving here to retire.
Damn, our secret is out. And we thought you hadn’t noticed!
No surprise there. This is what happens when people are forced to wait weeks for a doctor’s appointment.
It’s not really a surprise is it call the doctors and you can’t get through let’s alone get an appointment so 111 is the best chance of staying alive
That is because they have pushed and pushed for people to call 111 rather than head to A&E.
You only go to A&E by ambulance, or if directed by 111 or a GP.
People who just turn up actually go to the Urgent treatment centre. Even so, the clue is in the name (“urgent”). Too many rock up their with minor complaints than could be dealt with by other services.
That is what 111 is for.
That’s good. Exactly why it’s been set up! I found it to be great when I had my heart episode in March. She arranged an ambulance which came within 20 minutes!
I always ring 111 – I know I will get advice and support from a professional. Ringing the health centre only gets me through to a receptionist with no medical training whose main aim in life is to keep the patients out.
Nothing to do with the problems of trying to get a Doctors appointment then!!!!
The receptionist with no medical training is the one who refuses to make an appointment, thus keeping the patient out of the building.
If the Island is 82% compared to a national average of 55%, it’s obvious that the normal GP appointment system is not working effectively. And if they don’t see that, then that answers the question why.
These data actually indicate that the health of islanders is going downhill fast. Hopefully, the cost of living crisis will help people to stop smoking and drinking, and to shed a few pounds by eating less.
Generally, has the opposite effect. Poor people tend to go for low cost, high calorie, high fat food.
Speak for yourself Zonko. I am cooking all of my meals from the basics and buy no processed crap. Look and feel a lot better as a consequence. Also gave up drinking to pay the winter heating bills and won’t be wasting any more money on unhealthy wine and beer ever again.
I phoned 111 at the end of December due to a head injury and was told I would get a call from a doctor within 6 hours. I’m still waiting for that call so won’t be rushing to use this service again.
Can anybody explain why it is so difficult to get an appointment with your GP today? There was never a problem before covid.Have lost all confidence and respect for family doctors.
Vaccine injuries are also to blame.