What is NHS111?

What is NHS111? NHS 111 is a telephone and website service (here) for when you have an urgent need
  • If you need to contact the NHS for urgent care, there are only three numbers to know:
    • 999 for life-threatening emergencies
    • your GP surgery
    • or 111
  • When you call 111, you will be given advice and directed straightaway to the local service that can help you best – e.g. an out-of-hours doctor, walk-in centre or urgent treatment centre (UTC), community nurse, emergency dentist or late opening chemist
  • 111 can make an appointment with your GP in next 2-3 days
  • NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
  • Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free
  • You can ask for an interpreter.
How does it work?

Calling 111 will get you through to trained call advisers, who are supported by experienced nurses. They will:

  • Ask you questions and give you advice or direct you to the right local service
  • Where possible, book you an appointment or transfer you directly to people you need to speak to
  • Call an ambulance,  if they think you need one – it will be sent just as quickly as if you had dialled 999.
When do you use it?

You should call 111 if you:

  • Need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency
  • Do not know who to call for medical help, or you do not have a GP to call
  • Think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service
  • Require health information or reassurance about what to do next.

Summary

We have described what is NHS111. We hope it has been helpful.