Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to the British Medical Journal’s analysis of the flawed NHS 111 phone line, said:

“It is now clear that Ministers wasted millions on flawed contracts. Labour warned the Government at the outset that 111 was fundamentally flawed but they pressed ahead with the roll-out regardless.

“David Cameron is responsible for its shambolic introduction. The destruction of NHS Direct - a trusted, national service - is one of his worst acts of vandalism. Now, profits are being put before patient care as private companies run the advice line - with call centre operators directing too many to A&E.

“Patients in large parts of England still face uncertainty over their 111 line. Ministers must reinstate a national, nurse-led service providing reliable advice in all parts of the country.”