A MAN who is self-isolating in his Haworth home has criticised the NHS 111 line as "disorganised" after he was passed between the hospital and line operators five times for coronavirus advice.

The traveller in his 70s, who did not want to be named, flew from Tokyo to Dubai before catching a flight back to Manchester airport.

His symptoms first started four weeks before he was away in Japan and had seen a doctor who checked out his 'wet cough' and breathlessness and said it was unlikely to be coronavirus.

The man dialled the health service helpline as soon as he arrived back to the village based on 111 guidance, unsure whether it could be coronavirus or just general bad health.

After being advised to self-isolate, he was invited to Airedale Hospital for swabbing tests but as someone without a car he was told someone would arrange transport.

CORONAVIRUS: 

A nurse on the 111 line handed the responsibility over to the hospital, who later said they didn't book the ambulance or community health van.

The man told the Telegraph & Argus: "I had some symptoms which are coronavirus symptoms. I got back to Haworth and phoned 111.

"I spoke to a fairly helpful person and she told me 'Well we think you better self isolate.

"The reason I'm self isolating is thinking of my neighbours and friends. I'm fairly confident I don't have coronavirus.

"I'm almost 71. I'm an 'at risk' person.

"The nurse told me she'd get someone to call me back.

"I explained to her that I don't have a car and if I need to get somewhere to have a test I use a taxi or bus.

"The person who called me back said 'we'll sort that out'.

"A charge nurse from Airedale Hospital, nice enough fella, he said 'We can't do transport at all, the 111 have to organise that, call 111 again'.

"I talked to a young man and he didn't know anything about anything. He said the hospital definitely doesn't do swab tests.

"This morning I called the Airedale Hospital back and he told me 'We do swab tests and we do it, drive down in your car, park in the ambulance bay and we go out and do it.

Three calls later, 111 arranged to send transport over within five hours but he is calling for clearer messages between services.

The man added: "At one point I thought they really haven't worked out what they're going to do if people don't have a car.

"The total disorganisation. The lack of organisation. I think the 111 staff need some better training."

An NHS spokesperson said they were unable to comment on this individual case but said anyone with concerns about coronavirus should contact 111.

According to current protocol, if an individual requires testing and has no form of transport, the 111 call handler will be able to advise and offer alternative options.

The NHS is continuing to roll out new solutions, such as home testing in local areas.

They said: "Members of the public can (be) assured that if they use the NHS 111 online coronavirus (guide) it can advise you and tell you if you need to seek medical help. If you require assistance, you can speak to someone by dialling 111.”