The chief executive of NHS England has visited the region’s new NHS 111 urgent care service provided by Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Sir David Nicholson was at the trust’s Wakefield headquarters, which houses one of Yorkshire’s three NHS 111 call centres.

He spoke with call handlers and clinical advisors as well as members of our senior management team.

The service started in March 2013 to make it easier for patients to get medical help quickly when they have an urgent need which is not an emergency.

Sir David said: “Much has been said about the 111 service over the past few months and some of the issues it has faced have been well documented. It was really interesting to see first-hand the service performing well during my visit and how the people of Yorkshire are being supported. A particular highlight was talking directly to staff, listening to their experiences and the pressures that they face working in a 111 call centre.

“What was clear to me is that the staff I spoke to were dedicated and committed to providing a first-class experience and they fully understand the important role that they play in helping callers access the most appropriate services for their needs.”