• December 29, 2022
  • News

This winter the NHS is running a new campaign to encourage people to get to the help they need by using the NHS 111 online service.

The NHS 111 online service can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. And, if needed, it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.

NHS 111 online is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems. You can get assessed and directed to the right local service in as little as 90 seconds from the comfort of your own home.

A recent survey showed that 84% of users of the 111 online service found it easy or very easy to use.

Using the NHS 111 online service could save you a trip to A&E. It is estimated that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere. People should still call 999 and go to A&E in an emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

The NHS 111 online service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Go to 111.nhs.uk to get assessed and directed to:

– the right healthcare in your area; or
– a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic; or
– advice on self-care.

People should call 111 to speak to someone if they need to:

— discuss complex medical problems;
— discuss worries about a long-term condition; or
— get medical advice for a child under five.