THIS winter NHS England North West is encouraging communities across the region to become familiar with NHS 111 – a quick, easy and reliable service for urgent health advice and support.

For life threatening emergencies and serious injuries people should use 999 or A&E services, and to otherwise get to the help they need by calling 111 and using 111 online or the NHS App.

NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Imam Fazal Hassan, Muslim Chaplaincy Coordinator at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “When you or a loved one needs medical help, NHS 111 is your first point of contact for guidance and support, covering everything from physical health symptoms to mental wellbeing. You can get help from NHS 111 by using 111 online, in the NHS App or by calling 111 for free. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Advisors are at hand to help you get the right care, quickly and effectively.”

It is estimated that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere, and this is why people are encouraged to familiarise themselves with NHS 111.

Imam Fazal said: “Whether you are looking for advice on managing symptoms, understanding where to go for treatment, or getting support for urgent healthcare needs, NHS 111 is here to help. This could include signposting to a pharmacy, arranging a GP appointment or emergency dentist, or where necessary, advising what urgent treatment options are available.”

The service is designed to alleviate pressure on the NHS and ensure patients get the right care in the right place at the right time. While people should always call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk, NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help in other situations.

Salima Akuji, Health Practitioner at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “As we approach the busiest time of year for A&Es, the NHS wants to ensure all patients get the safest care possible, and this is why we are encouraging everyone to ‘get to the help they need’ by using NHS 111 online or telephone services this winter.

“We know that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances could be better treated elsewhere, as well as one in six calls to 999 just needing advice over the phone. It is because of this that we’re encouraging everyone to use our free, around the clock 111 service that can give millions of people this winter fast, safe and easy access to the advice or treatment they need.

“111 gives you over the phone clinical advice, directs you to a pharmacist, GP team or community provider, or arranges a call with a nurse or paramedic. By using it you can help us ensure everyone is getting the care they need. It is also important that the public use 999 and A&E in life threatening situations.”

To help raise awareness in all communities, NHS England North West wants to remind people that NHS 111 is available to everyone, offering support in over 200 languages through interpreters, ensuring that no matter your community, culture or language, help is always just a phone call away.

Earlier this year the NHS started offering crisis mental health support through NHS 111, with people of all ages able to select a mental health option when calling to speak to a trained mental health professional. The change is aimed at improving mental health provision and providing patients with the care they need in a timely manner.

In addition to telephone and online support, the NHS 111 service also offers assistance in British Sign Language (BSL), making it more accessible for the deaf community. The BSL 111 service is available online via video link, offering a convenient and vital service to those who need it most.

When to use NHS 111:

• If you’re unsure where to go for treatment
• For non-emergency medical advice
• If you have a mental health concern
• If your GP or pharmacy is closed
• When you need urgent care but it’s not life-threatening

How to access NHS 111

• Call 111 for free from any phone
• Visit 111.nhs.uk for online support
• Use the BSL NHS 111 service at signvideo.co.uk/nhs111

For more information, visit 111.nhs.uk.