“I didn’t know NHS 111 has this really holistic service online.”
With colder temperatures and seasonal illnesses, winter signals a surge in demand for NHS services. To ensure people get the right help quickly, local care partnerships across south east London are working to raise awareness of NHS 111 online.
Convenient and available 24/7
NHS 111 online, available at www.111.nhs.uk and on the NHS App, is a convenient, 24/7 service for urgent but non-life-threatening medical needs. It helps people access advice and treatment, and can direct them to the most appropriate care, including arranging a callback from a clinician if needed.
NHS South East London teams in Lambeth and Southwark have produced a series of short videos featuring residents in conversation in Brixton and Walworth, to raise awareness and highlight the benefits of NHS 111 online for health needs where online access is particularly effective, including:
- Emergency repeat prescriptions (when you have run out or are about to run out of prescribed medicines)
- Urgent dental problems
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
Easier access to healthcare
While most people spoken to were aware of NHS 111 phoneline service, few realised the service is available online and via the NHS App. Participants felt this is “making things much easier” for people and said they intended to make use of the NHS 111 online service in future.
These videos supplement existing winter resources such as the South East London Guide to Health Services and national NHS 111 campaigns, and support wider NHS priorities to manage winter pressures, as well as to improve patient experience and outcomes.
Helping people get the right care for their needs
It is estimated that up to two fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or better treated elsewhere, so it is essential that patients are directed to the right healthcare services for their needs.
Kerry Lipsitz, Director for Urgent & Emergency Care, NHS South East London, said,
“NHS 111 online, whether used on a web browser or through the NHS App, is an excellent option for patients to assess their care needs. It is easy to use and allows patients to quickly access services, including emergency prescriptions and emergency dental care. This is particularly useful if your GP practice is closed or you don’t have a regular dentist.’