Get to the help you need – Use 111
This winter the NHS is encouraging people to get to the help they need by using NHS 111.
The NHS 111 campaign is currently running and seeks to increase awareness and understanding that NHS 111 makes it easier and more convenient for patients to get the treatment they need in the right place. NHS 111 can assess and direct patients to urgent treatment centres (UTCs), GPs, and consultations with a pharmacist. And, if needed, it can arrange a call back from a doctor, nurse or paramedic.
NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems from the comfort of your own home.
People should call 111 to speak to someone if they need to:
- discuss complex medical problems
- discuss worries about a long-term condition; or
- get medical advice for a child under five.
Using the NHS 111 service could save you a trip to A&E. It is estimated that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere. People should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency –when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need and you’re not sure where to go, use 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you. Call, go online or use the NHS App.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
People who need help in another language can call 111 and ask for an interpreter, British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact 111 using the NHS111 BSL interpreter servicebyvisiting111.nhs.uk, and text relay users can call18001 111.
For more information go to www.nhs.uk/111
You should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
