111

By the way, as the problem was still continuing this morning, I did as advised by the doctor who phoned last night and went to my GP where I was seen straight away; and they consulted a cardiology registrar on the phone on my behalf. They then gave me a massive dose of a drug which has turned me into a zombie! - but at least my ticker is now ticking as it should, even if I cannot keep my eyes open!

The advice to me last night was to go to A&E - I think this is where the algorithm leads in the case of any heart problems. I have followed through on that several times, sometimes with an ambulance being sent, only to find that after a seriously long wait in very difficult conditions, and feeling grim, nothing different is done to that which a consultation with a doctor over the phone could not have solved. I have managed this condition for years and need only to check which drug is most appropriate in which exact situation. Clearly they must cover their backs and make sure that they do not miss anything important.

I am sure that there are situations where 111 can be a life-saver, and it is good to know that gransnetters have been saved by this.

Mizuna

Me too. They've sent paramedics to my home several times.

And me and each time I have ended in A&E. I have had better service from them than my GP, which I am very sorry about.

111 saved my life too. Well, after DH rang them.

I have a friend who would 'rather wait till the morning and ring the surgery' than ring 111.

Me too. They've sent paramedics to my home several times.

As I posted on a similar thread, had DD2 not phoned them from work and gone straight to A&E, she’d have been lucky to survive the night. 111 was a lifesaver.

I too have had excellent service from 111 in the last few years. I cannot fault them

I’ve had cause to use them twice in the last nine months and they’ve been excellent, spoke to a Dr who called me back both times.
There was a recent thread on this.

www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1325837-111-excellent-service

Having phoned 111 myself and speaking to others the advice has always been to go to A&E, our nearest is 25 miles away which is difficult to get to if you cannot drive.

I think they are an expensive and mostly pointless service.