NHS 24 call handlers and operators were recognised for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic last week.

Call Handler and Call Operator Day was held on October 2 with tributes being made to staff for their dedication over the past six months.

Call handlers and operators are often the first people that those who dial 111 speak to.

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The 111 service provides non-emergency medical advice when GPs are not available, and has seen a huge increase in call volumes during the Covid-19 pandemic with calls doubling from 30,000 to 60,000 per week during lockdown.

NHS 24’s chief executive, Angiolina Foster, said: “Our call handlers and call operators are the lifeblood of NHS 24, and I have enormous respect for the job they do and the professionalism and care they bring to it.”