For a medical emergency call 999. For urgent but non-emergency medical help call NHS 111.

Safeguarding children statement

NHS Direct is a health information website. We do not deliver a clinical service and we do not hold personal information about children. Our safeguarding responsibility is limited to publishing content responsibly and signposting readers to appropriate services.

If you are worried about a child

  • A child is in immediate danger: call 999.
  • Concerns about abuse or neglect: contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local children’s services.
  • A child needs urgent medical help: call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.