As a single point of access for assistance and advice NHS 111 had been introduced nationally to improve people’s access to urgent care.
NHS 111 aims to make it easier for people to access urgent local healthcare services when they need medical help fast, but it is not a 999 emergency. It provides one, easy to remember and free call number.
Calls to NHS 111 from landlines and mobile phones are free and the service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for people who:
- Need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency
- Don’t know who to call for medical help or don’t have a GP
- Think they need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service
- Need health information or reassurance about what to do next.
There are only three numbers if people in Kent and Medway need to contact the NHS for urgent care:
- 999 for life-threatening emergencies
- Their GP practice
- NHS 111
The number is given on the surgery’s recorded telephone message.
For the treatment of minor injuries The Folkestone Minor Injury Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Radnor Park Avenue, Folkestone is open from 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Sunday.
The Accident and Emergency Department of the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford is open 24 hours a day for the treatment of accidents such as wounds, falls and head injuries, and life-threatening emergencies such as haemorrhage, collapse and unconsciousness.
Health Help Now is a free website or mobile app that you can use to find the most appropriate local health service for common symptoms, and advice for people of all ages. Visit www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net or search “Health Help Now” in your app store.
An emergency dental service is available in the evenings and at weekends. Please telephone the Dental Helpline on 01634 890300.