Issue - meetings

The Board received an update on the progress of the NHS First Project from the Chief Clinical Officer, NHS Halton CCG.

It was reported that the NHS 111 First was a National Programme that would be rolled out in all systems by December 2020.  This was the point of contact, as well as GP practices, that people went to when experiencing a health issue that was not immediately life threatening.  Members were advised that with COVID-19 still being a real threat the adapted responses to delivery of the Programme must be maintained. 

The report discussed the national expectations of the Programme and it was noted that Warrington was one of two ‘early mover’ sites in the North West, which went live with NHS 111 First on 8 September 2020.  Warrington would cover the Warrington CCG population and the Runcorn part of Halton’s population and the St Helens system would include Halton’s Widnes population when it goes live by December 2020. 

            The following additional information was provided following Members queries:

·         The Project had gone live with only a soft launch so far, as it was not yet available in all North West areas, this included press releases and contact with engagement groups for example;

·         A structured communications plan would be prepared in time for when the wider North West area was live with the Project and would include raising awareness across all areas; this plan would be shared with LA colleagues and Members;

·         The modelling for the Project was based on demand and capacity and managing demand differently, so patients should be treated in less time although very ill patients would still be prioritised; and

·         North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) had been consulted on this and the Chief Executive was the lead officer; it was noted that it would cause no ambulances to be deflected when the Project started.

RESOLVED:  That the update and progress be noted.