NHS 111 provides non-urgent health information and advice. However, phone lines are traditionally busier during the bank holiday as access to GPs and pharmacies becomes limited. NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) provides the same help and advice without the need to wait to speak to a health advisor over the phone. You can even book a call back from a clinician if necessary.
111.nhs.uk can help you with:
- where to get help for your symptoms if you’re not sure what to do
- how to find general health information and advice
- where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
- how to get a repeat prescription
- getting emergency dental appointments.
You can also access it through the NHS app. 111 online is not suitable for queries regarding patients under 5. You should still dial 111.
Vicky Worrall, Head of Integrated Contact Centres – Call Handling: “Bank Holidays are always the busiest time for NHS 111 contact centres. Even though we make sure we have more staff on duty, wait times can be longer.
“When you go online, you’ll be asked a series of questions about your main symptom. The more questions there are, the less serious it’s likely to be. 111 online has about 120 topics covering the most common symptoms. It can only triage one symptom at a time. If you have multiple symptoms, pick the one that is bothering you most. You will not get a diagnosis but find out what help you need.”
Dr Paula Cowan, Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England – North West, said: “We are extremely grateful to the dedicated NHS teams working across the North West this coming August bank holiday weekend to ensure all those who need care receive it. The NHS is always there for anyone who needs it.
“NHS 111 online should be the first port of call for anyone who needs urgent medical advice, as it is quick and easy to use. It directs people to the right service for their needs and provides medical advice. It’s just one of the ways that we are trying to get people to the right service, first time, while keeping urgent and emergency services free for the most seriously ill and injured patients.
“Urgent and emergency care services will be open over the bank holiday, But in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency, people should call 999.
“Some GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the August bank holiday, with many closing at 6:30pm on Friday 23 August until the morning of Tuesday 26 August. However, some pharmacies will continue to be open over the bank holiday and people can seek health advice on a range of minor illness and health concerns from the pharmacy. To find your nearest open pharmacy please check online Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk).”