Published on: 7 June 2023
NHS 111 is an established 24hour non-emergency service that can assist you with your urgent healthcare needs. You can access the service by phone, just call 111 or online at 111.nhs.uk. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s free!
Call 111 and speak to a specially trained advisor, supported qualified healthcare professionals, who can assess your symptoms and direct you to the best medical care for you. They may connect you to a clinician, such as a GP or Pharmacist, redirect you to another urgent service, or advise you to visit the local A&E department. Although it’s the non-emergency service, the advisor can still dispatch an ambulance if they think it’s necessary.
You’ll receive the same support when visiting the 111.nhs.uk website. In fact 111 online can assess and direct you to the help you need in as little as 90 seconds and, if needed, can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor, or paramedic. A recent survey showed that 84% of users of the 111 online service found it either ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to use.
If you, or a loved one, is seriously ill or injured, or there’s life threatening risk call 999 immediately. For all other urgent care needs, use NHS 111.
The phone lines are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and it’s not just for physical ailments. If you, or a loved one, is having mental health difficulties, then you can select option 2 at the start of the call. If calling is inconvenient, then 111 Online provides the same service, with simple assessment questions to answer and appropriate advice given.
When Is NHS 111 Right To Use?
Put simply, NHS 111 is there for when you need urgent medical assistance, but it’s not a 999 emergency. If your GP practice is closed and you don’t know what to do next, then make the call, or visit 111.nhs.uk to seek advice. If you think you may need to go to A&E, or need another urgent healthcare service, then NHS 111 can give you the right guidance, and make sure you get assistance you need. The support from NHS 111 is backed up by qualified healthcare professionals, so you’ll know you are in safe hands!
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said:
“NHS 111- whether by phone or online- can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including minor injury units, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. And, if needed, it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.
NHS 111 online is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems. You can get assessed and directed to the right local service in as little as 90 seconds from the comfort of your own home.”
