At HUC, we’re dedicated to enhancing service delivery and strengthening collaboration with local health partners to fulfil our mission: providing high-quality, sustainable care at the right time. Recently, our teams had the pleasure of hosting Healthwatch Essex, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at how NHS 111 operates and the critical role it plays in supporting patient care.
Our Head of Patient Experience, Donna Richards, along with a few colleagues from across our services, recently welcomed members of Healthwatch to our NHS 111 contact centre in Welwyn Garden City. “The visit was a great success, highlighting the vital role played by our frontline Health Advisors and Clinical Advisors in managing patient calls,” said Donna.
Healthwatch colleagues had the valuable opportunity to sit-in on-live calls, gaining a deeper understanding of how the NHS 111 service operates in real time. This first-hand experience provided meaningful insights into the professionalism, empathy, and clinical expertise our teams bring to every interaction.
HUC members of both the Patient Experience and Service Delivery teams were also on hand to answer questions, share information, and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

Healthwatch Essex Communications Manager, said: “Colleagues at HUC were very welcoming and knowledgeable, and I enjoyed learning how the whole system works and what resources are available to them. It’s an interesting and demanding role, and I left with new insight into how 111 operates. Listening in to the calls and hearing the range of issues they tend to receive was an eye-opener!”
Their Deputy Communications Manager, added: “It was great to visit HUC. I learned so much about how 111 works, and I’m keen to promote that to others so people have a better understanding of the service and how the different pathways work. It was also great to see a strong focus on patient experience — it was clear the team really care. Thanks for having us!”
Information and Guidance Manager and Safeguarding Lead, said: “It was absolutely lovely to meet you and your amazing team; everyone was so friendly and accommodating, and we love your commitment to providing a person-centred service.”
Carers Voices Lead Officer, concluded: “Visiting the NHS 111 call centre was a highly informative and eye-opening experience. It gave me a real appreciation for the complexity and urgency involved in delivering frontline healthcare support over the phone, observing how dedicated call handlers and clinicians work together under pressure to assess, advise, and direct patients to the most appropriate care.
“The professionalism, empathy, and efficiency of the team was impressive, and it’s clear how vital their role is in supporting the wider NHS system. I would like to thank Donna and the whole team for welcoming us and allowing the opportunity to visit.”
A big thank you to Healthwatch for coming along to visit our Welwyn Contact Centre last week. It was a pleasure to show you around and give you an insight into what we do here at HUC.