Knowing where to turn when you need urgent medical help but don’t feel it warrants a visit to A&E can be confusing. Fortunately, the NHS has made it simple with clear guidance on accessing the right care quickly.
The NHS 111 service offers urgent medical advice for situations that aren’t emergencies requiring 999 and is available around the clock, every day of the year, including holidays like Christmas and Boxing Day. You can contact NHS 111 free of charge by phone, online via the NHS website, or through the NHS App.
When you get in touch with NHS 111, trained healthcare professionals will assess your symptoms and connect you to a nurse, doctor, or paramedic if needed. They may direct you to an urgent treatment centre, an out-of-hours GP service, your regular GP during working hours, or the nearest A&E department.
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However, NHS 111 cannot perform certain procedures and is meant for urgent but not life-threatening conditions. Its online service operates only in England and is designed for users aged five and older. Residents of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland should use their regional services or call 111 for assistance.
If your symptoms require a callback from a nurse, you will receive one within a specified timeframe. You cannot request a callback, as all callers are placed in the same queue regardless of whether they use the phone or online service. Online advice covers roughly 120 common symptoms, but only one symptom can be triaged at a time, and pre-existing conditions are not assessed.
For deaf users, the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service is available, and you can also use Relay UK by dialing 18001 111. Textphone users can access the service through traditional devices.
In true emergencies or life-threatening situations, always call 999. This service is reserved for critical conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and serious accidents. Note that calling 999 does not always guarantee an ambulance will be dispatched; sometimes, you may be advised to go to A&E or another service independently.
By following this guidance, you can receive the right care at the right time, without unnecessary visits to emergency departments.