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NHS 111 telephone service
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NHS 111 telephone and online service

NHS 111 is the number to call or visit online if someone needs medical help fast, but they are not in a life-threatening situation

The easy to remember, free to call number is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you access the care you need, wherever you are and no matter what time of day it is.

On dialling 111, callers are put through to a team of highly trained advisers and experienced nurses and paramedics. They receive a clinical assessment and are directed to the local service that can best help them at that time. This could be by providing details of the nearest pharmacy, directions to an appropriate service such as the GP out of hours service or even dispatching an ambulance if that is required.

NHS 111 online is a new way to access NHS 111 provides you with another convenient way to get the right help or advice when you need it. Whether over the phone or online, NHS 111 will ensure that you get the right care, from the right person, as quickly as possible.

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There are only three numbers people need to know:

  • 111 for urgent/unplanned health conditions that aren't life-threatening, or for when they are unsure of which service to access.
  • Their GP surgery for routine health conditions
  • 999 for life-threatening emergencies

How NHS 111 works

  • Also takes calls to GP Out of Hours services
  • Free to dial, including from a mobile, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Immediate clinical assessment by trained call handlers, supported by experienced clinicians
  • Ability to refer callers to other providers without the caller being re-triaged
  • Ability to transfer clinical assessment data to other providers
  • Ability to dispatch an ambulance without delay
  • Ability to provide health information or reassurance, including self-care
  • The provider of the NHS 111 service for residents in Berkshire is South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

The service is under continuous review by the Clinical Commissioning Groups in Berkshire to ensure it continues to provide a high quality, safe and effective service for patients.

We would encourage patients to feedback their experiences to SCAS who provide the NHS 111 service in Berkshire at patientexperience@scas.nhs.uk