Call 111 when it is less urgent than 999
If you require medical attention outside surgery hours, there is urgent and emergency cover only provided by an Out of Hours GP service. To access this you will need to contact NHS 111, by dialling 111.
NHS 111 is a service that has been introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services. Your call will be answered by fully trained health advisors who will take your details, using a clinical assessment system. This will enable them to assess your needs and where possible, the NHS 111 team will book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to. If NHS 111 advisers think you need an ambulance, they will immediately arrange for one to be sent to you.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. Calls to 111 are recorded. All calls and the records created are maintained securely, and will only be shared with others directly involved with your care.
When to use it
You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation.
Call 111 if:
- you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
- you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
- you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
- you need health information or reassurance about what to do next
For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.
If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, continue to use that number.
For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.