Wondering when to call 111? Here’s what you need to know:
For minor illnesses like colds or sore throats, your local pharmacy is the best place for advice and treatment. Call 111 when you need urgent health advice but it’s not an emergency.
Know your options and get the right care, at the right time.
Do you have a sensory or speech impairment? Please share your views and experiences of accessing NHS 24 services to help improve them.
The consultation closes on Friday 30 January 2026.
Take part in the survey: https://tinyurl.com/yfs9n39d
Easy Read version: https://tinyurl.com/au4vdp2z
We are proud that our team has produced this Easy Read version, helping more people have their voices heard. 
The 111 service is expected to be VERY busy which may mean a prolonged wait for calls to be answered. Boxing Day is one of the busiest day of the year for our services. Here’s what you can do to help yourself, save time and help us care for those in the most need first.
NHS inform has a range of symptom checkers for common illnesses and conditions you can use to help you decide what to do next: https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers
Check out the winter illness hub on NHS inform if you need help with colds, flu, coughs, sickness bugs, etc: https://nhs24.info/winter-illness
If your call is related to medicines please visit https://nhs24.info/accessing-medicines
Whether it is prescribed or non-prescribed medication, our guide to accessing medication can save you time. You might not need to call 111.
By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Find out more about how to access the #RightCareRightPlace: https://nhs24.info/RightCareRightPlace
If you are using a mobile phone to call please switch to WiFi calling and ensure your device is charged. This will help to prevent your call being disconnected. Some mobile providers disconnect calls due to network capacity demand. NHS 24 does not cut calls.
NHS 24’s staff are working exceptionally hard to answer as many calls as we can, quickly and safely. Please be patient and we will answer.
If you can try the above options first, it could save you time. We want to help you get the right care, in the right place. 
First Minister John Swinney has urged people to ensure they get the Right Care at the Right Place by checking the NHS inform website in the first instance if they become unwell.
During a visit to NHS 24 and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), the First Minister thanked staff for their commitment to keeping the public as safe and informed as possible ahead of the busy festive period.
The guidance in the NHS Winter Preparedness plan sets out that anyone feeling unwell should:
First Minister John Swinney said: “We know that demand for the NHS increases quite substantially over the festive period and there are a number of steps you can take to help yourself if you become unwell.
“In the first instance, check the symptom checkers on the NHS inform website – it can help you decide what to do next. If you still require medical help, NHS 24’s 111 service is there for you and dedicated professionals can provide advice.
“A&E is expected to be exceptionally busy in the coming weeks so only attend if you have a genuine emergency that requires urgent medical treatment.
“Our dedicated NHS staff will continue working throughout the festive period to provide support and care for the people of Scotland. I’m extremely grateful for their hard work and my thanks go out to all of you.”
Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Dickson OBE said: “Winter is always an exceptionally busy period and as demand on our service increases, we’re asking the public to use our service responsibly by only phoning 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
“Currently over 50% of our calls are managed without having to take patients to A&E. However, for those who do need hospital treatment, system-wide pressures, including lengthy handover times in key areas, are having a direct impact on our ability to get crews back on the road to reach other patients.
“Our fantastic staff are working extremely hard and we continue to prioritise those patients who are most critically ill. For those patients who are not critically ill, they may have to wait longer for an ambulance than usual and we thank the public for their patience; we will try to get to them as quickly as we can.”
NHS 24 Executive Medical Director Dr Ron Cook said: “With public holidays limiting access to GP and pharmacy services for four consecutive days across both festive weekends, NHS 24 is forecasting a significant rise in demand for our services as other primary care services take a well‑earned break.
“We plan carefully to ensure we have the right staff in place so people can access the right care in the right place. Our teams bring a wide range of skills, and every practitioner and clinician will play a vital role in supporting patients and each other to stay well during this busy period.
“We realise it’s not possible to cover every health eventuality, but we encourage everyone to plan ahead if possible. Make sure you have your prescription medicines, have over‑the‑counter remedies available at home, and check in on vulnerable friends or family. By preparing now, you can protect your festive time and avoid unnecessary interruptions.”
Self-help guides can be found on NHS inform
Visit NHS inform to find out more about the free online resources available to improve your mental wellbeing:
SilverCloud – a website with courses that help you learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing.
Daylight – a digital programme to improve anxiety based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Sleepio – a digital sleep improvement programme based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Find out more: https://nhs24.info/mental_wellbeing
Caught norovirus? – here’s our quick guide on what to do to help you feel better and prevent it from spreading to others:
take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains
get plenty of rest
use special rehydration drinks if you have signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine. These are available in community pharmacies
Norovirus can be very unpleasant but usually clears up by itself in a few days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home.
Avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily.
Phone your GP practice or NHS 24 on 111 if you’re concerned or need advice.
PREVENTING THE SPREAD
stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the norovirus symptoms have stopped
avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time
wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or handling food
be aware alcohol-based hand gels don’t kill the virus
disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated, using a bleach-based household cleaner.
wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash (60°C)
do not share towels and flannels
flush any poo or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding area with a bleach-based household cleaner
avoid eating raw, unwashed food
only eat oysters from a reliable source as they can carry norovirus
Remember norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools.
Follow our hygiene tips above to prevent the virus from spreading further!
Feeling overwhelmed? Starting college or uni can be both exciting and stressful. Remember you don’t have to face any worries alone – help is available.
Here’s what you need to know:
On Campus Support – Many unis or colleges offer in-house mental health services. Search the ‘Think Positive Hub’ to see what’s available near you.
NHS inform – Explore guides and resources:
Mental health guides to help issues such as anxiety, phobias, and sleep problems.
Tips on boosting your mental wellbeing
Info on where to find the right support
Free mental health apps to help with sleep, stress, and anxiety.
Need to talk? Reach out to Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or webchat. Experienced advisors are available to listen and offer information and advice.
Open weekdays 6pm–2am & weekends 6pm Fri–6am Mon
Urgent help?
Contact your GP to access urgent mental health support. If the GP is closed, NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub is available on 111. Specially trained advisers are ready to help and connect you with the right support.
Need more info? Check out our student health tips at #NHSinform.
Confused about where to go when you or a loved one needs medical help?
It can be tricky to know where to get advice when you are ill or in pain, and choosing the wrong service can mean longer waits, more stress, and extra pressure on OUR NHS.
Our #RightCareRightPlace guide can help you make the right choice, quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Share our #RightCareRightPlace guide with your friends, family, and community.
Find where you can get more medication when your medicine supplies have run out.
NHS inform’s accessing medicines self-help guide will help to decide whether you need to contact your GP practice or pharmacy for more medication. The guide can be used for information about prescription and non-prescription medication.
If you suddenly need urgent medical care, please contact NHS 24 on 111
If it’s a critical emergency, always call 999.
Confused about where to go when you or a loved one needs medical help?
It can be tricky to know where to get advice when you are ill or in pain, and choosing the wrong service can mean longer waits, more stress, and extra pressure on our NHS.
Our #RightCareRightPlace guide can help you make the right choice, quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Share our #RightCareRightPlace guide with your friends, family, and community.
