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

In an emergency

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 now.

Call 999

Call 999 for a medical emergency. Signs of a medical emergency include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • An acute confused state
  • Fits that are not stopping
  • Chest pain
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe burns or scalds

Call 999 immediately if you think someone is having a heart attack or a stroke.

Call NHS 111

Call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk if you need urgent medical help or advice, but it is not a life-threatening situation. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.

Contact your GP

Contact your GP surgery for non-urgent medical problems, or to arrange routine appointments. Many surgeries offer online consultations. If your surgery is closed and you cannot wait, use NHS 111.

Ask a pharmacist

Pharmacists can advise on minor conditions such as coughs, colds, skin rashes, and stomach upsets, and can suggest treatments you can buy without a prescription. No appointment is needed.

Mental health emergencies

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or call the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, day or night. If life is at immediate risk, call 999.