What is NHS 111?
NHS 111 is a telephone service which makes it easier for you to access local health services, when you have an urgent need and the GP practice is closed.
if you need to contact the NHS for urgent care there are only three numbers you need to know; 999 for life-threatening emergencies; your GP surgery 0191 2834820, or 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not an emergency.
When you call 111 you will be assessed, given advice and directed straightaway to the local service that can help you best-that could be an out-of-hours doctor, walk-in centre or urgent care centre, 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.
When to call 111
- You should call 111 when:
- You think you need to go to A&E or to another NHS urgent care service
- Your GP surgery is closed and you need healthcare advice
- You don’t know who to call for medical help.
When to call 999
- Call 999 for life threatening emergencies such as:
- Major accident or trauma
- Severe breathlessness
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe chest pain
How does it work?
Calling 111 will get you through to a team of fully trained call advisers, who are supported by experienced nurses.
They will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, and give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you to the right local service.
Where possible, they will book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to.
If they think you need an ambulance, one will be sent just as quickly if you had dialled 999.
Out-of-hours services are provided during the following periods when the surgery is closed:
Weekends and between 6.00pm and 8.30am Monday to Friday.
During normal practice opening hours, the practice remains your first point of contact for all routine requests.