STAFF at NHS111 – the service run from Devon, Cornwall and Dorset by South West Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) – say it is at breaking point, according to the Royal College of Nursing who will take part in talks today.

Staff have for months been raising a number of concerns, including patient safety and staff shortages, said the union.

RCN members have been reporting concerns through internal SWAST reporting systems and through their local RCN representative, but to date have not received satisfactory responses from their employer to address the risks they have highlighted, said Steve Pulsford, senior RCN officer.

He said: ‘Members are telling us that they are at breaking point as they feel that their concerns have not been taken seriously. One of the issues is that they feel under pressure to reduce 999 callouts.’

Steve Pulsford wrote to SWAST in December and executives have agreed to meet him today (Monday, February 29) to discuss the concerns.