AMA
Randomeggs56 · 26/01/2022 19:09
@rubydoobydoo
(Police call handler here, wondering how it compares with ours, which is currently very loosely based around 6 on 4 off, covering 24 hours)
I've always found 111 to be very helpful too when I've had reason to call.
In my experience it varies massively person to person, those on nights typically do 4 on 4 off and this suits. I do days, 40 hours over 5 days and the shifts range from 6am to 10pm, I can request if I need a change and this is generally approved I'm requesting a flexible work schedule and have no reason to think this won't be approved.
Randomeggs56 · 26/01/2022 19:11
@EatSleepRantRepeat
That's a hard one, I've only been there reapply during covid so I don't know another way of the system working, there is a large proportion of calls where patients can't access the gp, but if this has changed compared to before covid I have no idea.
Randomeggs56 · 26/01/2022 19:16
@Purplewithred
That's not my personal experience of working there although there is a high turnover of staff, we aren't held to targets although we are aware of them, I've never been spoken to if I have a longer then average call and am encouraged to take 5 minutes if I need to.
We have regular audits and haven't found this an issue, if anything I like being 'checked in'on to make sure im doing things the right way, this is people's lives being dealt with and needs to regulated
On the whole I feel supported in my role and while no job is perfect, there are plenty worse out there.
Itawapuddytat · 28/01/2022 15:53
I am an interpreter who often works with the 111 services and I just want to tell you that I always admire you, how well you deal with the people who call you, and how helpful you are - even though the questionnaires are long, the callers are often scared or worried or frustrated or angry or in tears (experiencing all sorts of emotions).
Actually yes, there is a question, how do you find it working with the telephone interpreters? Is it difficult to contact the interpreting service and get someone on the line to interpret?
Randomeggs56 · 28/01/2022 16:31
@Itawapuddytat
Actually yes, there is a question, how do you find it working with the telephone interpreters? Is it difficult to contact the interpreting service and get someone on the line to interpret?
It's mutual appreciation here, I enjoy working with the interpreters when it's needed, makes life much easier. You do a difficult job and it's so valuable.
It's really straightforward to access the service I believe we use a paid for service so can call anytime and there have only been a few occasions where an interpreter hasn't been available.
DashDotCom · 29/01/2022 19:46
Another one here saying you’re doing a fab job thank you! I called when my baby was a few days old and I suspected jaundice (maternity unit told me to call 111 and basically hung up on me…pfft). Anyway, the lady I spoke to via 111 put me at so much ease, like talking to a friend. She rang the maternity unit for me and told them to do their bloody job and let me go there immediately 
Anyway, my question is what’s the weirdest call you’ve ever had? Even in my boring office job I have wtf moments, I bet you have loads!
Randomeggs56 · 29/01/2022 20:35
@DashDotCom
Anyway, my question is what’s the weirdest call you’ve ever had? Even in my boring office job I have wtf moments, I bet you have loads!
Glad you had a positive experience and hope everything went smoothly after with the maternity unit.
I would love to give a specific answer to this as we do get lots of weird calls but I worry (however unlikely) that someone would recognise themselves as the caller and however strange it might be its still something that happened to them, but plenty of wtf moments
ColouringPencils · 29/01/2022 20:45
The only times I have called have been for my children and each time we have been told to go to A&E or have been made an appointment at the hospital. This makes my husband say that 111 always refers children to the hospital as it is overly cautious, whereas it makes me think my instincts were right to call. Please tell me I am right!
Randomeggs56 · 29/01/2022 21:08
@ColouringPencils
It does vary greatly depending on the symptoms so it would be difficult to say without knowing the reasons for the call. As an example high fever, stomach pain and persistent vomiting would trigger a much higher outcome then an earache for example.
I have assessed many children and made referrals to own gp, out of hours, pharmacist or other services as well as a and e.
Randomeggs56 · 29/01/2022 21:18
@LaCerbiatta
If we have any uncertainty at all we are encouraged to take clinical advice. There have been occasions where an outcome has been reached and I'm not convinced its urgent enough and either a clinician will talk through the assessment and advise or take over the call if needed.
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