The BMA has called for a delay in the launch of NHS 111, amid claims the telephone service could 'put patients at risk'.
The BMA has called for a delay in the launch of NHS 111, amid claims the telephone service could 'put patients at risk'.
In a letter, to NHS England chief executive Sir David Nicholson, Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the BMA's GP Committee, said the 'chaotic mess' of the telephone service, due to launch on 1 April, was 'lacing strain' on the NHS.
He cited reports of patients waiting hours before getting health information or receiving poor quality advice and said in some areas, the service 'crashed' because it was unable to cope with call volume.