NHS 111 in Buckinghamshire

NHS 111 is new phone number for people in Buckinghamshire, making it easier for them to receive the right healthcare from the right person, in the right place, at the right time. NHS 111 will be live nationally by the end of 2013.

How does it work?

Dialling 111 will get you through to a team of fully qualified advisers. They will then ask questions to assess the symptoms and give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you to the right local service. This could be at A&E, a minor injuries and illness unit, an out of hours doctor, a district nurse or an emergency dentist – or it may be something as simple as a 24 hour chemist.

Where possible the NHS 111 team will book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to. If they think you need an ambulance, they will send one immediately – just as if you had originally dialled 999.

The 111 number is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobiles are free.

What's happened to the old NHS numbers?

There are now only three numbers to call for NHS healthcare and advice; 999 for life-threatening emergencies, 111 for non-emergency advice, and your GP’s surgery.

When should you use NHS 111?

You should dial 111 if:

· you or someone you care for needs medical help fast, but it is not a 999 (life-threatening) emergency

· you think you might need to go to accident or emergency or to another NHS urgent care service

· you do not know who to call for medical help or you do not have a GP to call

· you require health information or reassurance about what to do next.

For less urgent health needs, you should contact your GP in the usual way.

NHS 111 documents available to download

111 information leaflet

Easy read leaflet

Download information in a different language

To download NHS 111 information in a different language please visit the NHS Choices website:  http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/aboutnhsservices/emergencyandurgentcareservices/pages/nhs-111.aspx

Typetalk / Textphone

NHS111 is available via textphone so that people with communication difficulties or impaired hearing are able use the NHS 111 service.

To use the typetalk service:

· using a textphone, call 18001 111

· calls will be connected to the TextDirect system. The textphone will display messages to tell you what is happening

· a Typetalk Relay Assistant will automatically join the call. They will relay your words to the NHS 111 adviser, and will type the adviser’s replies back to your textphone or computer.