NHS 111

NHS 111 is the free telephone service when you need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency. They can help you with medical, dental and mental health problems quickly. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

If you are deaf or have hearing loss please use NHS 111 SignVideo or use the 18001 111 Relay UK app.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support.

You can use NHS 111 online for people aged 5 and over to get advice and request a call back.

In an emergency, if someone’s life is in danger call the Emergency Services on 999.

When to use NHS 111

Call NHS 111 or use the website if you:

need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency
think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
need health information or reassurance about what to do next
need help with a mental health crisis

For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.

What happens when you use NHS 111

NHS 111 telephone advisers are supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. They ask you questions to assess your symptoms. Then give you advice or direct you to the local service that can help you best. That could be A&E, an out of hours doctor, an urgent care centre ,a community nurse, an emergency dentist or a late opening chemist. If they think you need an ambulance they will immediately arrange for one to be sent to you.

NHS 111 online (for people aged 5 and over) asks you questions about your main symptom and then tells you:

where and when to get help
that you will be contacted by a nurse if needed
how to arrange an emergency prescription if you have run out of medication

NHS 111 is operated by North East Ambulance Service (NEAS)

Mental health crisis support from NHS 111

When calling NHS 111 you will be offered the option to press 2 if you need crisis mental health support. When you choose option 2 you will be put in contact with mental health advisors, who will be supported and supervised by trained mental health clinicians.

The service is for people of all ages, including adults, children and young people.