NHS plans to revamp its heavily criticised 111 telephone helpline by merging it with GP Out of Hours service are up for discussion at a Haslemere Hall drop-in event 9.30am-1pm tomorrow (Thursday).

Contracts are due to expire shortly in four Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) areas, North West Surrey, Guildford and Waverley, Surrey Downs and East Surrey and the four CCGs have decided to partner and procure an integrated NHS 111 and GP Out of Hours service jointly.

North West Surrey CCG is leading a public consultation to get feedback on the current systems and the proposed new service. The deadline for responses is next Monday, July 31, and Haslemere residents have objected not enough was done to publicise either the consultation or tomorrow’s Haslemere Hall event, which is the final public engagement.

“I am concerned at the lack of publication of this,” Haslemere borough councillor Robert Knowles said. “I understand there was only one member of the public at the Cranleigh event on July 19. Guildford and Waverley CCG seems to have yet again done nothing to advertise this and once again North West Surrey has control of health in Surrey, which in not in the interest of those living in Waverley.”

North West Surrey CCG began the re-procurement process for the current NHS 111 and GP out-of-hours services in May and a Patient and Carer Advisory group (PAG) was established to assist the four CCGs with consultations with the public and stakeholders.

A North West Surrey CCG spokesman said: “To date, we have held 27 stakeholder events and 16 public events, including stands in shopping centres, GP surgeries and hospital restaurants.

“Almost 500 people have attended these events and over 650 people have completing the survey so far, either at an event of online.”

Lisa Sian, operations manager at Healthwatch Surrey said: “We would urge people to get involved by sharing their feedback about NHS 111. This could be done in person through attending the event, or by completing the survey online. By sharing what works well and less well with NHS 111 people will be able to help shape the future service.”

• To take part in the survey online go to: www.nwsurreyccg.nhs.uk/Get-involved/Pages/111.aspx. For a paper copy call 01372 232400 or email: [email protected].