The Trumpet Newspaper Issue 578 (August 24 - September 6 2022)

Page16 TheTrumpet AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 6 2022
When you think you need A&E,
contact NHS 111 online first
The NHS is encouraging the public to use NHS
111 online to get urgent medical advice
quickly – in addition to existing services –
ahead of what England’s top doctor has said will
be a ‘winter like no other.’
With more people predicted to suffer from flu
this year and hospitals already treating an
increased number of COVID-19 patients, NHS 111
online offers an alternative way to get immediate
medical advice.
Data from September showed that the NHS
was already experiencing record demand for
emergency services, with ambulances responding
to 76,000 life-threatening incidents and call
handlers taking more than one million 999 calls.
The NHS 111 phone service also saw record
demand, with a call being taken every seven seconds.
It’s recommended that if you have an urgent
but not life-threatening medical need, you should
visit NHS 111 online first rather than going
straight to A&E. You can access the service by
visiting the website 111.nhs.uk.
People use the online 111 service for a range
of reasons, including to check their symptoms and
if an injury or illness requires further investigation,
to get information on mental health support
services available, or to seek advice on how to take
a medication.
The service is also able to arrange for you to
be seen at an Urgent Treatment Centre, GP
surgery, pharmacy, emergency dental services
or A&E should you need it.
If you or your loved one have a life-threatening
illness or injury then you should always use 999.
Just think 111 first.
When you think you need A&E,
go to NHS 111 online 111.nhs.uk
or call 111.
TheTrumpet is published in London fortnightly by Trumpet
Field: 07956 385 604 E-mail: info@the-trumpet.com (ISSN: 1477-3392)