This might be self-care or visiting your local pharmacy. Or it might be a referral directly to a GP surgery, Emergency Department (A&E) at Musgrove Park Hospital or Yeovil District Hospital, a Minor Injury Unit or other urgent care service. If needed, an ambulance can also be dispatched.

Why contact NHS 111?

This means you can speak to a medical professional before leaving home and access medical advice quickly and safely. The medical team at the relevant health service will know why you are coming and when, and by calling ahead you will be less likely to wait for longer than necessary.

This approach also helps the NHS to better control the risk of Covid-19 if patients do need an appointment at A&E or any other health service. Hospitals have put in place important additional safety measures and social distancing to keep everyone as safe as possible when they do access care – contacting 111 before turning up ensures patients have a time slot and so helps to keep everyone safe.

Serious or life-threatening emergencies

Arrangements have not changed where there are people with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries such as chest pains, a stroke or severe burns. For life-threatening emergencies, please continue to dial 999, as before.