Peter Mitchell's story states: 'Access's alternative approach is to manage the NHS Direct call centre as well as equip it - it runs the pilots at the Northumbria and Hampshire ambulance trusts.'

This is incorrect. The contract to supply the software for NHS Direct Hampshire, of which the lead partner is Hampshire Ambulance Service trust, went to competitive tender.

Access Health won the tender to supply the software for NHS Direct Hampshire only.

The establishment and management of the call centre is not part of Access Health's remit, and this function is performed by NHS managers employed by Hampshire Ambulance Service trust and its partner organisations.

Joanna Walton

PR and Marketing Officer

NHS Direct Hampshire