If you have an urgent medical problem
and you’re not sure what to do NHS 111 can help.
To get help from NHS 111 you can:
- go to the 111.nhs.uk website (for people aged 5 and over only)
- use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service
- call 18001 111 on a textphone
- call 111 by phone
You answer questions about your symptoms on the website,
or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone.
The phone service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Depending on your symptoms you’ll:
- find out what local service can help you
- be directed to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP
- get a face-to-face appointment if you need one
- be told how to get any medicine you need
- get self-care advice
You can also get help from 111 using a BSL interpreter at:
InterpreterNow is a service that lets deaf and hearing people
communicate with each other.
Using your computer and webcam, or the InterpreterNow app
on your smartphone or tablet,
you make a video call to a BSL interpreter.
The interpreter will phone an NHS 111 adviser
and relay your conversation with them.
If you have difficulties communicating or hearing,
you can also contact NHS 111 by textphone on:
You can find out more about the NHS 111 service at:
For life-threatening emergencies you should still call 999.
You can text the emergency services on 999
but you need to register your phone in advance.
To find out more go to:
This information is available in this and other alternative formats
from the website or by emailing Public Health England.