New joint provider for region’s NHS 111 service announced

A new joint provider for NHS 111 in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire has been announced.

From April of this year, Practice Plus Group (PPG) will take on the running of NHS 111, and work in partnership with Medvivo to ensure that the local region has an effective service for people looking for quick health and care advice over the phone.

DHU Healthcare, which currently works with Medvivo to deliver the 111 service, will step down from its role when its current contract expires in the spring.

New joint-provider PPG already manages NHS 111 services in Bristol, North Somerset and Gloucestershire, and will bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise and insight to Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

The change in provider will have no impact on the way in which local people access the service, with those in need of advice and care over the phone still able to call 111 from any landline or mobile.

Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We are pleased a new joint provider has been appointed, and we look forward to working with PPG as the local 111 service is a critical element of on-the-day advice and support.”

Liz Rugg, Chief Executive, Medvivo, said: “We are delighted to be working with PPG so that we can combine our local knowledge and expertise with a team who has significant scale and made a demonstrable commitment to the south west.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire DHU team for all their hard work as our partner since November 2021, and for their ongoing support until PPG commences in April.”

The employment of current DHU Healthcare staff, who are based in Chippenham, will transfer to PPG at the same time as the new contract begins.

More information on NHS 111, including how and when the service can provide help, is available online at www.nhs.uk.