New NHS number hits ‘teething pains’


MANY Maidstone area resi- dents are reported to be facing big problems trying to use the new 111 NHS phone number. GPs on the new NHS West


Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) body, which now controls most local NHS purse strings, reported “significant teething problems”, especially at weekends. One GP told the meeting: “There has been a significant number of calls beyond expec- tations and people have been putting the phone down be- cause they cannot get re- sponses.” This has led to many people


with “minor or walk-in” health problems visiting hospital A&E departments, increasing week- end pressures there. Doctors said there was also a substantial increase in patients putting pressure on GP prac- tices on Mondays. The 111 calls are fielded by SECAmb, the ambulance serv-


ice, who were said to be aware and pressing on with urgent im- provements. “But it takes time to recruit and train staff,” the meeting was told. CCG chief officer Ian Ayres


said: “It is a quality of care issue.” A spokesperson for SECAmb


said: “The implementation of NHS 111 is at a very early stage in our area. We must recognise that this is a new service for the public and we are still learning about the different reasons why patients access the service and the most appropriate ways for us to respond to their needs. “We recognise that there is a


need for improvement,which is why we are working closely with commissioners to resolve any issues. “SECAmb, along with all parts


of the NHS, both in our region and nationally, is extremely busy. Demand in all areas has risen to levels far in excess of ex- pectations throughout 2012-13.”


Lionesses’ fun way to help fund


AIR Ambulance chief executive Adam Bell is pictured presenting West Malling Lionesses with a certificate of appreciation at the King’s Arms, Offham, after receiving a cheque for £1,250. South East Lionesses


have pledged to raise £250,000 over10years to support theAirAmbu- lancenight flying appeal to provide a 24-hour service. Secretary of theWest Malling group, Ruth Jef- frey, who lives in Offham, said: “Our branch of the Lionesses meets in the King's Arms on the third Thursday of every month at 8pm. Newmembers arealwayswelcome.Wehold socialevents toraisemoney for local charities and good causes. “Our fundraising events are great fun, and anyone interested can just


turn up at one of our meetings to see if they like the look of whatwe do, withoutany obligation to join.”Ruth canbecontactedon01732845316. The Lionesses joined forces with Malling Rotary Club in street collec-


tions for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Daffodil Appeal. She said: “The weather was absolutely ghastly, cold, wet and windy,


but we still had a great deal of fun taking part. The public contributed very generously, andwe raised over £800.”


Church move MAIDSTONE International Community Church has been given the go-ahead to establish abaseat44Wheeler Street, Maidstone. A marketing company is leas-


ing the building, butMaidstone Council has granted planning permission to change the use. Since June 2010, the church, which began as a small fellow- ship almost two decades ago, has been hiring a hall and leas- ing an office atMaidstone Com- munity Centre in Marsham Street. The church says a growth in attendance – the weekly aver- age has risen to 50 – led to the desire for a permanent site.


Date at Toad Hall THE Wateringbury Players and children from Wateringbury C of E Primary School will be per- forming “Wind in the Wil- lows”. Alan Bennett’s stage adapta-


tion will be performed at the Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road,Wateringbury, on Thursday, Friday and Satur- day, July 11,12 and13 from 7pm (doors open 6.30pm). Tickets are £8 from Watering-


bury Post Office and Handy Stores,BowRoad, price £8 for all performances. Concessions for children up to 16 years and sen- ior citizens are available for the Thursday performance at £5. For details call 01622 813206.


Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk Malling 17


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