NHS Lothian: Choose the right care in the right place

Get the right care in the right place:

Self-help guides: NHS Inform

Advice about minor illnesses, treatments and medication: Pharmacy

Non-urgent treatment: GP

Urgent, but not life-threatening, help: NHS24 at 111

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.

When should I call 111?

The 111 service provides urgent care and advice when your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.

Coronavirus

If you need advice about coronavirus, you can find more information on NHS inform or use our online symptom checker for the quickest way to check your symptoms and next steps. This may save you time and help you to decide if you need to phone.

If you or your friends and family would prefer to use an automated phone checker phone 0800 22 44 88.

What service do I need?

If you have a health concern, or you are struggling with your mental wellbeing, you can find information on what to do next via our symptom checkers. These interactive guides will tell you who to contact and provide you with the advice and guidance you need.

Your community pharmacy is also available and can provide advice and treatment for a wide range of conditions including indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation, aches and pains, emergency medication and the morning after pill.

During normal working hours always contact your own GP for urgent advice and treatment. The 111 service cannot arrange appointments at your GP.

When your GP is closed and you cannot wait until they are open, you should phone 111 for out-of-hours advice.

Phone 111 …

If you think you need A&E, but it’s not a critical emergency.

Phone 111 before you attend A&E. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This service will provide you with urgent care you’ll be assessed for a range of concerns including cuts, burns, suspected broken bones, sprains and other injuries or illnesses.

This may involve a telephone or video consultation with a clinician from your local health board or an appointment to attend A&E or Minor Injuries unit, avoiding a long wait in a hospital waiting room.

Phone 999 or go straight to A&E . . .

For life or limb-threatening emergencies.

This might include a suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or severe injury.

When we’re busier than usual

During our busy times, when there’s lots of people calling us, it might take a little longer for us to answer your call.

Our busiest times are:

  • 6pm until 8pm weekdays
  • 9am until midday on Saturdays and Sundays

 If your call is urgent, please hold on because we will answer.

If you think you need to visit A&E but it isn’t a critical emergency please call 111 for expert help to get you to the right place for treatment.

111 can make appointments at our services, reducing the time you spend in busy hospital waiting rooms.

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