NHS 111 is a free, non-emergency medical helpline and online service in England designed to help people get urgent medical advice and access the right care quickly. It guides you to the most appropriate service for your situation, whether that’s a GP, urgent care centre, pharmacy, or, if necessary, emergency services.
Key points:
- When to use: For urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns, or when you’re unsure what to do next.
- How it works: You can call 111 or use the online service (111 online) to complete a guided triage. The system asks questions about symptoms and age to determine the best next step. In many cases, it can direct you to self-care, a local clinic, a pharmacist, or book an appointment, and it can arrange an urgent appointment if needed.
- Availability: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across England. Calls to 111 are free from landlines or mobile phones. Online access is available to those aged 5 and over, with separate provisions for younger children.
- In an emergency: If you have life-threatening symptoms (e.g., severe chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, or severe bleeding), call emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency department. NHS 111 will direct you appropriately in non-emergency situations.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your region (e.g., England, Wales, or other) or explain how to use the online service step-by-step.
