Alternatives to 999
You should only call 999 if you, or someone you’re with, is suffering a serious or life-threatening emergency that needs immediate treatment.
Choose a more appropriate service from the list below for all other help you may need.
NHS 111
NHS 111 should be used by all patients who have an urgent medical need, rather than calling 999 or going to your local A&E. Whether you’re using the online assessment at 111.nhs.uk or the telephone, you just need to answer the same few questions about your main symptoms to get the right information and advice. Using either service will mean you may also get a call back from a nurse, paramedic or GP if appropriate.
Accident and Emergency Departments
If you’re able to make your own way to hospital, please do so. Arriving by ambulance does not mean you’ll be seen quicker. Read more about when to go to A&E.
Urgent Treatment Centres
Urgent treatment centres are available across our region, seven days a week from early morning till late at night.
Doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals working at urgent treatment centres can help with deep cuts and wounds, eye injuries, minor fractures, severe sprains, minor head injuries, minor burns and scalds, and much more. Read more about when to go to an urgent treatment centre
If you don’t know where your nearest urgent treatment centre is, use the 111 service to find out.
General Practice
GP surgeries can offer appointments with a range of healthcare professionals, including a doctor (GP), nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist. Appointments may be face-to-face, over the phone or online.
Many surgeries offer urgent on-the-day appointments, and all will have details about out-of-hours service on their website and phone lines when the surgery is closed.
Everyone should be registered with a GP surgery close to their home. Find out how to Register with a GP surgery – NHS
Pharmacy
Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals able to advise on the use of medicines and managing minor illnesses. You can see a pharmacist for a consultation without having to book an appointment, and pharmacists can now dispense prescriptions for seven common conditions without you having to see a GP first.
Some pharmacies are open until late in the evening, as well as at weekends and bank holidays. Find a pharmacy – NHS
Dentistry
If you need urgent dental treatment or advice, contact your usual dental practice in the first instance. When your practice is closed, or if you are not registered with one, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 to find your nearest open urgent dental service.
Self care
Many common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home with rest, painkillers (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen) and basic first aid.
Ensure you have a first aid kit at home and ask a pharmacist for advice on what over the counter medication they recommend having available.