Sussex's 111 service has one of highest staff turnovers in country
UNISON is warning that heavy workloads, staff shortages and abuse from callers is making call handlers leave the role
A trade union says Sussex's 111 service has one of the highest staff turnovers in the country.
UNISON is warning that heavy workloads, staff shortages and abuse from callers is making call handlers leave the role.
It shared data that SECAMB lost 62% of it's staff in the year up until April 2024 - falling behind just Yorkshire's ambulance trust.
The report also includes a survey of more than 200 staff, who said the volume of calls, staff shortages and aggressive and abusive callers were the worst challenges they faced in the job.
Unison’s national ambulance officer Sharan Bandesha said: “NHS 111 is a lifeline for patients and their families.
“The service provides vital advice and access to care when they urgently need it.
“But staff are under immense pressure and it’s no surprise many don’t stay in the role.
“Bringing 111 services back in-house, paying staff properly for their work and employing enough staff to alleviate pressure would help ensure NHS 111 is fit for the future.”
We've approached SECAMB for comment.