Public urged to use NHS 111 online for swift health advice

Everyone across Cheshire and Merseyside is being reminded that NHS 111 online should be our first step when we need urgent medical help, especially over the upcoming bank holiday weekends, and during NHS Industrial Action planned by Junior Doctors in April.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Medical Director, Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, recommends the public use NHS 111 online to get quick health advice.

The online service works the same as over the phone and is already popular with people who want quick advice about the best options for getting the care they need. These can include getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E, or providing advice.

Rowan said: “We expect it to be another extremely busy time for the NHS 111 phone service.

“We are prepared for this, but callers may wait longer to get through on the phone at the busiest times. For this reason, we’d recommend using the online www.111.nhs.uk service if you can. You answer the same questions and receive the same advice, but it’s likely to be quicker.

“We always receive many calls from people who’ve run out of prescription medication or that need over-the-counter remedies. To avoid this happening, I would recommend everyone to check you have enough of your prescribed medication, and have a stocked medicine cabinet, to get you through the holiday.”

Andy, 37, from the Wirral used NHS 111 online in the run up to Christmas when he had an accident at home: “I was chopping wood for our log fire when I crushed by finger with the axe. I knew the NHS would be busy so I used NHS 111 online to see what steps I could take.

“Despite there being a nurses strike that day; I was given an appointment at a Minor Injuries Unit straight away. I was seen, had an x-ray, my finger was strapped up and I was back home within an hour of logging on to the website.”

111.nhs.uk can help you with:

• where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
• how to find general health information and advice
• where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• how to get a repeat prescription
• get emergency dental appointments