When it’s less urgent than 999

What is 111?

NHS 111 is a new telephone service being introduced to help make it easier for you to access local health services.

If you live in Oxfordshire, you can now call 111 when you need help fast, but it isn’t a 999 emergency.  The 111 service is currently not available in border areas with phone numbers starting 0118, 01793, 01280 and 01844.

You can ring 111, 365 days a year, to reach a full range of local health services, including out of hours, doctors, community nurses, emergency dental care and late opening chemists. 

Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free – just like 999.

Type Text Talk for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing People

The 111 service is also available via typetalk on number 18001 111

How does it work?

111 will get you through to a team of highly-trained advisers, who are supported by experienced nurses. They will assess your symptoms and guide you to the right local service.

Wherever possible, the NHS 111 team will transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to. If they think you need an ambulance, they will send one immediately – just as if you had originally dialed 999.

When do I use it?

People should use the NHS 111 service if they need help or advice urgently but it’s not a life-threatening situation. You should call 111 if:

• it’s not a 999 emergency;
• 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 less urgent health needs, you should still contact your GP or dentist in the usual way, and for immediate, life-threatening, emergencies please continue to call 999.

Why should I use it?

NHS 111 is a fast and convenient way to get the right help – whatever your need, wherever you are, and whatever the time.

It can also help us to free up 999 and local A&E departments so that they can focus on emergency cases.

What if I have already been given a number to call for a condition I have?

If you are already receiving healthcare and a health professional has given you a specific telephone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, please continue to use that number.

What if I live outside Oxfordshire?

The NHS 111 service is not available everywhere in the UK. If you are outside of Oxfordshire, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Download information in a different language

To download NHS 111 information in a different language please visit NHS Choices website - http://bit.ly/JIAzHX
 

GP REGISTRARS IN TRAINING

The practice is accredited as a Training Practice for GP Registrars, who are doctors training to become General Practitioners.

Our Registrars from 1st August 2012 are Dr. Kathryn Brown (to 31^st July 2013) and Dr. Mary McKenzie (to 31^st January 2013).

GP registrars are fully qualified doctors and are supervised by other GPs in the practice.  You may be offered an appointment with them, but you are not obliged to see them if you choose not to. You may find that the GP Registrar sometimes sits in with other doctors or nurses during their consultations. 

Occasionally, consultations may be video recorded for educational purposes. This will only take place if you consent to it.

TEXT MESSAGING

Following a successful trial from September to December 2011, we are now routinely sending appointment reminders to our patients via text message. We may also use text messaging in the future to invite patients to attend for health checks. 

Please help us to keep your details up to date by letting us know your correct mobile telephone number.  There are forms on reception for you to complete with your most up to date details, or alternatively, please inform the receptionist.  If you do not wish to be contacted by text message, please indicate on the form or let the receptionist know.

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