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:
- 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.
- 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.
Last Reviewed on 9 March 2024