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MP visits new NHS 111 contact centre in Bedford

HUC was delighted to welcome local MP Mohammad Yasin to its new NHS 111 contact centre in Bedford last Friday (December 8).

The not-for-profit organisation moved to new premises at Technology House, in Ampthill Road, last month and the Bedford MP was keen to cast an eye over its new, larger contact centre which, HUC says, will ‘enhance the service’ it provides.

During his visit, Mr Yasin enjoyed a tour of the contact centre and met with HUC’s CEO David Archer, its Head of NHS 111 Deb Payne, and Contact Centre Manager Carol Norris for a discussion on how 111 can help relieve the pressure on other healthcare services.

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MP pays tribute to HUC staff

“The opening of this new NHS 111 contact centre in Bedford secures local jobs and HUC’s commitment to the town is certainly welcome,” said Mr Yasin.

“I pay tribute to all those working in this contact centre and across HUC’s NHS 111 and out-of-hours urgent GP service. Staff at this centre play a vital role in helping to keep people safe and provide important advice and support.

“I was pleased to be able to visit and will continue to work to support our local services.”

HUC has been operating the NHS 111 service across the region since 2017. It helps people get the right advice and treatment when they urgently need it.

In many cases NHS 111 clinicians and call handlers, who receive comprehensive training and are subject to stringent auditing requirements, can provide patients with the advice they need, meaning they do not need to use another service such as their GP or A&E. Since January this year, the local service has taken over 230,000 calls.

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HUC CEO echoes MP's thoughts

Mr Yasin’s thoughts on the visit were echoed by HUC’s CEO who said: “We were pleased to welcome Mohammad to HUC’s new contact centre and to be able to showcase the amazing work that our staff and clinicians undertake on a daily basis to support the residents of Bedford and Luton.

“Mohammad’s visit also gave us an opportunity to highlight our vision for the service and the pivotal role it can play in improving access to, and quality of, patient care.