Testing chaos to blame for rise in NHS 111 and 999 calls, says UNISON

The government’s failure to resolve Covid-19 testing shortages is placing additional strain on NHS urgent care and emergency services, says UNISON today (Wednesday).
Staff handling enquiries to the NHS 111 treatment advice line are reporting to the union that call volumes have increased significantly – in some cases more than trebling.
These include non-urgent enquiries from people with Covid-19 symptoms about booking a test because they can’t get through to 119, the official N