Fears on jobs for 300 NHS workers

Up to 300 frontline staff at NHS Direct could lose their jobs as the service tries to cut costs, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned.

New shift arrangements are being brought in as the new 111 number for non-emergency services is phased in, the union said.

Workers unable to join the shift pattern will lose their jobs, including those with flexible working arrangements, such as those caring for children or working less than 15 hours a week.

The RCN also expressed fears for the future of disabled staff working at the service. Those affected will have the option to reapply for any remaining shifts.

The RCN said it had been consulted on the changes and had opposed them.

In the short-term, 111 will run alongside existing local telephone services and NHS Direct. In the long-term it will become the single number for non-emergency care.

RCN chief executive Dr Peter Carter said: "The evidence suggests this expert advice has kept one and a half million people out of A&E, and saved the NHS £213 million a year.

"Our fear is that patients, who can often be extremely worried or distressed, will receive a stripped back service from NHS 111, with more being advised to dial 999 or go to A&E."

NHS Direct is not the only organisation tendering to deliver 111 services. The new system will allow private and GP out-of-hours providers and the ambulance service to deliver it.