NHS 111 helps people get the right advice and treatment when they urgently need it.

Clinicians, such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists and paramedics now play an important role in NHS 111. In fact, over 50% of people who call 111 speak to someone in one of these roles.

In many cases NHS 111 clinicians and call advisors can give patients the advice they need without using another service such as their GP or A&E.

If needed, NHS 111 can book patients in to be seen at their local A&E / emergency department or an urgent treatment centre, emergency dental services, pharmacy or another more appropriate local service – as well as send an ambulance should the patient’s condition be serious or life-threatening.

NHS 111 is here to make it easier and quicker for patients to get the right advice or treatment they need, be that for their physical or mental health.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To get help from NHS 111, you can:

• Go online to nhs.uk (for assessment of people aged 5 and over only).
• Call 111 for free from a landline or mobile phone.

Alternative access to NHS 111

If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, you can:

• Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app on your smartphone, tablet or computer, or via a traditional textphone; or
• Use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service if you’re deaf and want to use the phone service.

NHS England has produced this video to help people with a learning disability, autism or both, to use the NHS 111 service.

Other resources are also available on the NHS 111 service including:

• a large print guide to NHS 111
• an easy read guide to NHS 111
• an audio guide to NHS 111

Next steps for NHS 111

The NHS Long Term Plan sets out how NHS 111 will develop in the future.

This includes how NHS 111 will do more to support health professionals working in the community, within care homes and paramedics; assisting them to make the best decision to help patients get care closer to home.