If you have an urgent need which is not life-threatening, NHS111 health advisors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Urgent care is when you suddenly become unwell and need to see a healthcare professional the same day but is not an emergency. This includes urgent care for both mental and physical health.
Examples of urgent care needs include:
- Minor head, ear or eye problems
- Sprains, strains, cuts and bites
- Children’s minor injuries and ailments
- Abscesses or wound infections
Currently, more than 60% of health advisors are trained to take both 999 and NHS111 calls, using the same assessment tool to determine the most appropriate service to meet your needs.
As part of this assessment, the health advisor will ask you a series of questions in order to make sure they are able to arrange the best medical help for you. Whilst some of the questions may not seem particularly relevant to your concern, they are important to help us identify the most appropriate care.
As well as being able to provide information, health advisors can signpost you to local services or arrange appointments for further assessment. In some cases, if required, they can also put you through to a doctor, nurse or other clinical professional to discuss further over the phone.
The 111 service is also available via ‘Typetalk’ for deaf or hard-of-hearing people on number 18001 111.