Not an emergency? Call NHS111

20th December 2016

As winter approaches, bugs begin to circulate, putting pressure on the NHS. People head to A&E, or their GP, with minor problems they could easily treat at home.

Your first line of defence should be a well-stocked medicine cabinet but if you need a little bit of help nip to your local pharmacy. They can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints.

But what if it seems a little more serious and you’re not sure where to turn to for help? The answer is easy – call NHS111 by dialling 111.

This NHS phone service, free to landlines and mobiles, makes it easy for you to get high quality health advice when you need help fast but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

NHS111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The call handlers can provide health advice, put you in touch with the right service, arrange to have you seen by a doctor or call you an ambulance.

The service is staffed by trained call handlers with nurses on site to offer support if needed. Callers’ symptoms are assessed and they are given the healthcare advice they need or are directed immediately to the right service.

A&E and 999 should only be used for emergencies such as heavy blood loss, chest pains or loss of consciousness. Think before you go to A&E or call 999 and leave these services free to deal with real emergencies.