Community safety

New 111 number to call for urgent medical help in Sutton & Merton

A new three digit number - 111 - that will make it easier for patients in Sutton & Merton to access urgent NHS healthcare has been launched.
 
NHS 111 is a new telephone service to help you access local health services. If you live in the London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton, you can now call 111 when you need medical help fast, but it isn't a 999 emergency. For less urgent health needs, you should still contact your GP or local pharmacist in the normal way.

NHS 111 is free to call from landlines and mobile phones and is a fast and easy way to get the right help – whatever your need, wherever you are, and whatever the time. NHS 111 is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced clinicians, who will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, give you the healthcare advice you need and direct you to the right local service as quickly as possible. This can include a doctor, walk-in centre or urgent care centre, community nurses, emergency dentist or late-opening chemist.

The line will be staffed round the clock, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free – just like 999. The number can be used when you need help fast but it is not life threatening, or when you do not know who to call.

You should call 111 if:
• it's not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service
• you don't think it can wait for an appointment with your GP, or
• you don't know who to call for medical help

For more routine health needs, you should still contact your GP or dentist in the usual way, and for immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.