NHS 111 health adviser - Annabelle Carson

What is NHS 111?

NHS 111 is a special phone number. You call it when you feel sick or have a health problem. You can call it any time, day or night.

When you call NHS 111, you talk to a person who can help you. They ask questions about how you feel. Then they tell you what to do next.

If you are not sure about calling, you can ask someone you trust to help you. They can help you call and talk to NHS 111.

When should I call NHS 111?

You can call NHS 111 if you feel unwell and need help. Call if it is not an emergency and you do not know what to do.

Here are some tips:

• If you need health advice.
• If you feel worried about your health and want to speak to someone.
• If you are not sure if you need to go to the hospital.

You can also visit the NHS 111 website for help.

Ask a friend, family member, or carer to help if you need support.

Can I call NHS 111 any time?

You can call NHS 111 any time. They are open every day, all day and night. You can call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you need help in reading or understanding, try these:

• Ask someone you know to help you read.
• Use a voice assistant to read text out loud.
• Look for websites that read text for you.

Can I talk to a doctor or nurse on NHS 111?

Yes, you can talk to a doctor or nurse by calling NHS 111. NHS 111 helps you when you feel sick or hurt, and you are not sure what to do.

Here is what you can do:

• Call 111 on your phone.
• A person will ask you some questions. These help to know how you feel.
• You might talk to a doctor or nurse if you need extra help.

You can ask someone to help you make the call. Sometimes, you can also use a textphone.

Can I use NHS 111 on the internet?

Yes, you can use NHS 111 on the internet. This service helps you when you feel sick or have a health problem.

You can go to the NHS 111 website on a computer, tablet, or phone. It will ask you some questions to help you know what to do next.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Ask someone you trust to help you if you find the website hard.
• You can use voice tools that read the webpage out loud to you.

Can you call NHS 111 without paying?

Yes, you can call NHS 111 for free. It does not cost any money. You can use a phone to call if you feel sick or need help.

Tip: Keep your phone close. You can ask a friend or family member to help if you are unsure.

Can NHS 111 call an ambulance if it’s needed?

Can NHS 111 help with feelings and emotions?

Yes, NHS 111 can help if you are feeling upset, sad, or worried. They can talk to you and tell you what to do next.

Here are some tips if you need help:

• Stay calm and try to talk to someone you trust.
• Use a notebook to write down how you feel.
• You can call NHS 111 for advice anytime.

Do I have to give my personal information when I call NHS 111?

When you call NHS 111, you might be asked to give some personal information. This means things like your name, where you live, and your phone number. This helps them to give you the right help.

If you feel unsure or worried, you can ask a family member or friend to help you with the call. You can also write down your information on paper before you call, so it’s easier to give the right details.

What questions will I get asked if I call NHS 111?

Can I call NHS 111 about my teeth?

If you have a problem with your teeth and don’t know what to do, you can call NHS 111 for help.

If it's easy, you can also use tools or ask someone to help you make the call.

Can NHS 111 help if you don't speak English?

When should I use 111 and when should I call 999?

Here’s how you can decide:

• Use 111 when you need help, but it’s not an emergency.
• Call 999 if someone is in danger or needs help right away.

Remember:

• 111 can help if you feel sick or have a question about your health.
• 999 is for emergencies like fires, serious injuries, or if someone is very sick.

Helpful tip: Keep a list of emergency numbers somewhere you can see it easily, like on the fridge.

Can NHS 111 help with questions about kids and babies?

You can call NHS 111 if you have questions about your child or baby’s health. They can give advice and help you decide what to do next.

Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Ask for help from a family member or friend if you need it.
• Keep a list of your child's symptoms ready before you call.
• Have a pen and paper to write down any advice given.

Can I use NHS 111 if I am visiting the UK?

If you are visiting the UK and feel unwell, you can phone NHS 111. NHS 111 is a free number to call when you need medical help, but it is not an emergency. People who speak other languages can ask for an interpreter to help them on the call. You can also get help from a friend or family member if you need support talking on the phone.