When you need help fast but it isn’t a 999 emergency between 18:30 – 08:00 on weekdays, at weekends and on bank holidays Telephone 111.
The 111 service is free to call from landlines and mobiles and is staffed by a team of fully trained call advisers, supported by nurses, paramedics and GPs who are on hand to assess callers’ needs and ensure they receive the right service as quickly as possible. It guides patients to a locally available service or provides appropriate advice and information.
When someone calls 111, they will be assessed straight away. If it is an emergency, an ambulance will be dispatched immediately without the need for any further assessment. For any other health problems, the NHS 111 call advisers will be able to direct people to the service that is best able to meet their individual needs. For minor illnessess and injuries, the 111 service will be able to provide immediate medical advice.
Out-of-hours services are generally very busy so please think carefully before using this service and only do so if you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.
In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.