NHS 111 is the free number to call when you have an urgent healthcare need. It directs you to the right local service, first time.

It is available across the whole of England making it easier for you to access urgent healthcare services when you need medical help fast.

It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones

When should you call it?

• You need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency
• You don’t know who to call for medical help or you don’t have a GP to call
• You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service but are not sure which one is most appropriate; or
• You require health advice or reassurance about what to do next

How does it work?

• When you call 111 you will be assessed by fully trained advisers who are supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. They will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you straightaway to the local service that can help you best.
• If the NHS 111 team think you need an ambulance, they will send one immediately.

For more information on emergency and urgent care services visit NHS Choices.

There is a range of NHS services and NHS professionals that work in your neighbourhood. From pharmacies to dentists, health visitors, community nurses and midwives. These are the people who can help you when looking after yourself at home isn’t enough.

Back pain, stomach ache, ear pain or vomiting…. Go to your local GP surgery

Remember: A&E is for emergencies and life-threatening illnesses only

If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, make an appointment with your GP. They provide a range of services by appointment, and when absolutely essential, can make home visits. If you need to see a GP outside of the surgery’s normal opening hours, telephone the surgery and your call will be forwarded to the GP out-of-hours service or call NHS111.

Itches, strains, cuts and sprains…. Go to your nearest Walk in Centre

A Walk-in Centre can give you health advice and treatment for minor injuries and ailments without an appointment. These centres can be run by doctors or experienced nurses and are available to anyone, whether registered with a GP or not.

They are open later in the evenings and at weekends when your usual GP surgery may be closed.

If your injury is not serious, you can get help from a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), rather than going to an Accident and Emergency Department (A&E). Minor Injuries Units can treat sprains and strains, broken bones, wound infections

Minor injuries units can treat:

• sprains and strains
• broken bones
• wound infections including stiches
• minor burns and scalds
• minor head injuries
• insect and animal bites
• minor eye injuries
• foreign body removal
• emergency contraception
• injuries to the back, shoulder and chest

Walk-in Centres can treat:

• sprains and strains
• infections
• rashes
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• high temperature
• headaches
• cuts/bruises that can’t be treated at home

Chest pain, choking, blood loss or blacking out… Go straight to A&E or ring 999 

A&E departments treat patients with major, life-threatening illnesses and injuries, so you should only call 999 or visit A&E when your situation is critical. Using a more appropriate service will save you time-and could save lives.