The 111 number fiasco

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How was that supposed to work? It wasn't a premium rate number, was it? That would be bad, obviously. So what was the business model?

I'm not trying to make a political point. I am just baffled. Can someone please explain it?

This government has a bit of a track record of not scrutinising tenders adequately to see whether the successful tenderer's figures actually stack up. It happened with the West Coast rail line saga, and at least one legal aid contract, and now this. I think it's fairly disgraceful that the unsuccessful bidders will have had to close down and/or make people redundant just because the DoH was so eager to snap up the cheapest bid irrespective of whether it was realistically viable or not.

Let's not forget the fiasco over Olympic security - yay, let G4S do it, and let's not bother asking how they are getting on! And the courts translation service - yay, let's do a botch job that ends up causing massive disruption, wasting thousands of hours of court time... And Winterborne View, the 'care' home where people with learning disabilities were so badly abused.

Privatising social care has been a disaster, not least because when a company that runs care homes goes bankrupt, the residents face being thrown out of their home. Which could well kill them - it is very clear that moving elderly, vulnerable people hastens their death in many cases.

i've had to use 111 and it was right before it all hit the press as a huge farce etc. I'd never even heard of it until I needed it and NHS direct want available in my area.

Have to say. my experience was very positive. Was dealt with quickly, advised to go to hospital walk in. Appt booked within a few mins.

I've no idea how others have actually fared but I've no complaints