West Midlands Ambulance Service take 1.4million 111 calls in first year - The Solihull Observer

West Midlands Ambulance Service take 1.4million 111 calls in first year

Solihull Editorial 11th Nov, 2020   0

CELEBRATIONS were the order of the day as West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) marked one year since taking its first 111 call.

Since November 5, 2019 the Ambulance Trust has taken 1.4million calls from across Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire at its call centre in Brierley Hill.

No-one could have foreseen the year that has just happened: as well as the many improvements implemented, the effect COVID-19 has had on 111 has been immense.

The challenges and successes were heavily featured on the Channel 4 programme, Paramedics: Britain’s Lifesavers back in the summer.




Trust chief executive, Anthony Marsh commented: “This has been a real success story despite the extraordinary challenges that the 111 service has faced. With the developments coming, we will create an even better service. Congratulations to everyone in 111.”

WMAS integrated emergency and urgent care director, Jeremy Brown, said: “The future also looks exciting with the full integration of the 999 and 111 services which will benefit staff and patients.


“We are already seeing an increase in the number of ambulance crews accessing the specialist advice available from the advanced clinicians in the 111 call centre, which is helping to reduce the number of patients being taken to A&E.

“We also expect to see the further development of video triaging, which is already benefitting patients. The next year looks just as exciting as the first.”

Paul Maubach, chief executive of the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Groups, who commission the 111 service, said: “I want to thank the staff who work within 111 for the exceptional efforts they have put into running this service during one of the most challenging periods the NHS has ever seen.

“The fact that you have been able to answer so many calls, help patients and provide a great service is testament to your hard work.

“111 has proved itself to be a vital part of the NHS and with the developments that are coming over the next 12 months I am in no doubt that you will continue to provide a great service for patients and continue to be a crucial part of the NHS.”

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