If you have an urgent medical problem but you're not sure what to do, think NHS 111 First.
The 111 staff can assess the problem and decide what kind of help will be most appropriate for you - from their complete local directory of services. If a hospital visit is appropriate, a time slot can be allocated for you to attend. This will help help reduce pressure on hospitals over the busy winter months, and allow you to be seen by the right healthcare professional, in the right place, at the right time.
Current social distancing and infection control requirements mean healthcare facilities are operating with reduced capacity within their waiting areas to protect both patients and staff from Covid and flu transmission. The allocation of timed slots will mean patients can get the medical help they need whilst minimising the time spent in waiting room areas.
So if you need medical help this winter:
- In an emergency call 999
- For everything else call 111
