This is a new telephone service to call when you need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency. This easy to remember, free to call number has been introduced to help reduce the pressure on A & E departments and the 999 service. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is for people who aren’t sure if they need to go to A & E, don’t have a GP to call, or generally need reassurance and advice. You will be assessed, given advice, and directed straight away to the local service that can help you best. This could be A & E, an out of hours GP, a community nurse, a late-opening pharmacy, a Minor Injuries unit or an emergency dentist.
There are now only 3 numbers you need to remember, your GP surgery, 111 for urgent healthcare advice, and 999 for a life-threatening emergency.