New figures show NHS 111 calls in Dorset have the quickest response time in England.

People needing medical help  are urged to call NHS helpline, and on average, staff from Dorset HealthCare took less than 18 seconds to answer 111 calls in 2023, with almost all calls picked up in under a minute.

NHS 111 operators can provide expert advice and arrange for people to access the care they need – reducing unnecessary trips to hospital emergency departments and the long waits which may follow. 

Data provided by NHS Dorset has revealed that since April last year:

  • more than 92% of 111 calls have been answered in under 60 seconds
  • the average speed to answer was just over 17 seconds – currently the best performance of any 111 service in England
  • even at the busiest times, all calls were answered with two minutes. 

For those seeking urgent medical help for something that is not life-threatening and can’t wait to see a GP, support is available 24/7 via 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

When using the 111 service advice will be given or a face-to-face appointment will be booked in at the appropriate site, such as a minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centre.

Dan McKie, Dorset HealthCare’s integrated urgent care operational lead, said: “Our 111 staff can support you to access the right care in the right place at the right time.

"This will help reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and avoid people attending there when they don’t need to.

“If you do call at a busy time, please be patient – we will get to your call as quickly as possible.”

For more information on local services, visit www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk