>>Narrator: If you have a problem with your health, sometimes it’s hard to know what
to do or who to ask. When it’s not a 999 emergency, but you need help fast, NHS 111
is here for you. Their call handler will help you find out what to do next.
>>NHS 111: Hi, I’m Becky. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
>>Jess: Hi, my name is Jess and I’m here when the doctors are closed.
>>Lee: Hi, I’m Lee, and we can help you get the care that you need.
>>Ashley: Hi I’m Ashley, I’m here to take your call, but if you have a medical emergency
then you need to dial 999.
(Phone Rings) >>NHS 111: Hello, you are through to NHS 111.
My name is Jo and I’m a call handler, are you calling today about yourself or somebody
else?
>>Charles: Are you alright? Do you want a tea?
>>Peter: No, not really. I’ve been having these dizzy spells.
>>Charles: Have you taken anything? >>Peter: Well, I took a couple of tablets
earlier but… they haven’t really done much for it.
>>Charles: What about an appointment? Have you made an appointment to see anyone?
>>Peter: Not yet no, not really. I don’t know what to do really.
>>Charles: There’s the 111 service you can ring.
>>Peter: I’ve never tried that before. >>Charles: Yeah?
>>Peter: Yeah. >>Charles: They kind of give you medical advice.
>>Peter: Do they? >>Charles: Should we try that?
>>Charles: So do you want me to ring the 111 service?
>>Narrator: You can make a call on your own, or you can
ask somebody to help.
You can write things down if it helps you to remember, but you don’t have to, it’s
up to you.
When you call NHS 111, they will ask you some questions, as they don’t know your medical
records.
NHS 111 Jo: Can I just take some details from you?
What’s your date of birth?
And can I just take your surname with spellings?
I just need your postcode and the first line of your address.
>>Peter: I’ve got a learning disability and autism.
>>Narrator: When you call, it’s good to tell them if you have a learning disability.
You can ask a call handler to slow down and explain any difficult words.
>>Peter: Could you speak a bit slower please? And also not use any big words?
NHS 111 >>Jo: Can I take a telephone number that we
can get you back on today should we need to?
>>Peter: It’s 077……
>>Narrator: They will ask what number to ring you on and the name and address of your doctor.
It can help to tell them your NHS number.
(Music plays in background)
>>Peter: Yes, sorry, I’ll just turn it down.
>>Narrator: Try to call from a quiet place so you can
hear each other.
NHS 111 >>Jo: OK. So what’s the reason for the call?
>>Peter: I’ve been feeling dizzy since last night and it’s just getting worse today.
Yeah, I’ve been sick this morning over breakfast.
NHS 111 >>Jo: Right, ok. So what we’ll do then is
we’ll go through a series of questions, I’m going to go through an assessment with
you… >>Narrator: Your call handler will ask you
some questions to make sure you get the right help
NHS 111 >>Jo: Ok, do you have any other symptoms?
And you’ve been sick. How many times have you been sick?
>>Peter: Just the once this morning.
NHS 111 >>Jo: Are you normally fit and well?
Peter: Yes I’m normally well, yeah.
NHS 111 >>Jo: And have you had any head injury at
all?
>>Peter: No I’ve not, no.
NHS 111 >>Jo: You haven’t? Ok. And do you take any
medication?
>>Narrator: Tell the call handler if you are taking any medication or tablets.
NHS 111 >>Jo: From the information that you ‘re
giving to us, what we recommend is that we get in contact with a GP practice within the
next 2 hours.
>>Narrator: The call handler will tell you what to do next. Maybe going to see your doctor
or GP. They can help with other things too, like finding a dentist or speaking to a 111
medical person.
If you need urgent help, they will tell you about going to the emergency department at
your local hospital. Remember the advisor is there to help you, anything you don’t
understand, just ask.
>>Peter: What’s the difference between emergency and A and E?
NHS 111 >>Jo: Peter, the emergency department is exactly
the same as the A and E department. Do you know where the A and E department is?
Oh lovely. Ok. So, we’ll get the doctor to call you back
within the time frame, so within 2 hours.
>>Peter: Ok, so, do I do anything now? Or what do I do now?
NHS 111 >>Jo: In the meantime if anything changes,
anything worsens, or you have any further concerns, then don’t hesitate to call us
back.
Peter: Alright, thank you. Yeah.
NHS 111 >>Jo: Alright, alright take care.
Peter: Thank you.
NHS 111 >>Jo: Bye bye.
>>Peter: Bye.
>>Peter: Remember: NHS 111 is free to call, it’s open 24 hours a day, every day, when
you need help fast but it’s not an emergency. They will help you get the care you need.
You can always ring 999 in an emergency.
Remember, NHS 111 call advisors will help you understand and advise you what to do next.