NHS 111 signposts patients to the right care, first time.

Like the national telephone helpline number (dial 111 to access this service), NHS 111 Online also guides patients through a series of questions to determine symptoms and the most appropriate course of action.

Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or even a GP, and can arrange face-to-face appointments if they think you need one.

NHS 111 advisers can also assess if you need an ambulance and send one immediately if necessary.

There’s more information about NHS 111 here.

You can also click here to access the NHS 111 British Sign Language Service.

Call 999 now if you have:

• signs of a heart attack - pain like a very tight band, heavy weight or squeezing in the centre of your chest
• signs of a stroke - face drooping on one side, can’t hold both arms up, difficulty speaking
• severe difficulty breathing - gasping, not being able to get words out, choking or lips turning blue
• heavy bleeding - that won’t stop
• severe injuries - or deep cuts after a serious accident
• seizure (fit) - someone is shaking or jerking because of a fit, or is unconscious (can’t be woken up)