NHS 111 is a new telephone service to help you access local health services. If you live in the London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton, you can now call 111 when you need medical help fast, but it isn’t a 999 emergency. For less urgent health needs, you should still contact your GP or local pharmacist in the normal way.

NHS 111 is free to call from landlines and mobile phones and is a fast and easy way to get the right help – whatever your need, wherever you are, and whatever the time. NHS 111 is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced clinicians, who will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, give you the healthcare advice you need and direct you to the right local service as quickly as possible. This can include a doctor, walk-in centre or urgent care centre, community nurses, emergency dentist or late-opening chemist.

Launching NHS 111 in Sutton & Merton, Dr Phil Jacobs, Sutton NHS 111 Clinical Lead, said:

“When you call 111, you will be assessed straight away.  If it is an emergency, an ambulance will be despatched immediately without the need for any further assessment.  For any other health problems, the NHS 111 call advisers will be able to direct you to the service that is best able to meet your needs. For minor illnesses and injuries, the 111 service will be able to provide immediate medical advice.”

The line will be staffed round the clock, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free – just like 999.

The number can be used when you need help fast but it is not life threatening, or when you do not know who to call.

You should call 111 if:

· it’s not a 999 emergency

· you think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service

· you don’t think it can wait for an appointment with your GP, or

· you don’t know who to call for medical help

For more routine health needs, you should still contact your GP or dentist in the usual way, and for immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.

Ann Radmore, Chief Executive of South West London NHS said:

“It is essential that we improve access to, and understanding about, urgent care services, which includes out-of-hours care.  At present, too many people are confused about who to contact and how to do so.

“By putting in place one, easily memorable 111 number for all urgent inquiries to run alongside the emergency ‘999’ number we are simplifying NHS services for patients. 

“111 will be free to call and available 24/7, putting patients in touch with the right NHS service, first time.”