Think 111 First

The national Think 111 First programme asks people in need of urgent health care to contact NHS 111, on the NHS111 web site or by phone, before travelling to hospital for urgent and emergency care.

So if you have an urgent medical problem, and you are thinking about going to our Urgent Treatment Centre or Emergency Department, please contact NHS 111 first.

The 111 service will assess your needs and direct you to the most appropriate local service.

Frequently asked questions

How and when can I access NHS 111?

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To get help from NHS 111, you can:

• visit to 111.nhs.uk (for people aged 5 and over only)
• call 111 for free from a landline or mobile phone (all ages)

What is Think 111 First?

Think 111 First is a national programme which asks people to contact 111 first if they are thinking about going to the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) or Emergency Department (ED) for an urgent, but not serious or life-threatening, health problem.

You will be directed to to the most appropriate local service. This could be your GP, pharmacist, the Urgent Care Centre or the Emergency Department (ED).

Isn't NHS 111 just an information line?

NHS 111 is much more than information line – it helps to get people to the right service for their health needs, first time.

NHS 111 can arrange appointments at GP surgeries, some minor injuries units and urgent treatment centres - as well as send an ambulance should the person's condition be serious or life-threatening.

What if I turn up to the Emergency Department without calling 111 first?

If you visit our Emergency Department without having called NHS 111 first, you will still be seen.

However, patients with more critical or life-threatening conditions will be prioritised and those whose conditions are not as urgent may need to wait or will be directed to another service for treatment.

Calling 111 first will ensure that you get quicker care in the right environment, so please consider calling 111 first, the next time you have an urgent medical problem.

What are the benefits of calling 111 first?

• You will be able to speak to a senior medical professional earlier and get the right treatment, first time.
• If you are assessed as needing an urgent face-to-face assessment or treatment, this can be arranged immediately - leading to shorter waiting times for all patients.
• By advising people where and when to go, we can control queues in our Emergency Department waiting rooms

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