08:00  – 12:00 on alternate Saturdays.

NHS 111 is the NHS service that has been introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services in England. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

When to use it

You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation.

Call 111 if:

• you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
• you need health information or reassurance about what to do next

If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, continue to use that number.

For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.

How does it work?

The NHS 111 service is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. They will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you straightaway to the local service that can help you best. That could be A&E, an out of hours doctor, the walk in centre, a community nurse, an emergency dentist or a late-opening chemist.

Calls to 111 are recorded. All calls and the records created are maintained securely, and will only be shared with others directly involved with your care.

Call 999 in an emergency. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.

111 online is a fast and convenient alternative to the 111 phone service and provides an option for people who want to access 111 digitally. 

Your needs will be assessed and you will be given advice about whether you need:

• Treat yourself at home
• Go to a Primary Care Centre

If you need face to face medical attention you may be asked to attend a Primary Care Centre.

Click here to access NHS 111 online or call 111 to speak to a staff member.

Milton Keynes Urgent Care Centre – is open when your surgery is closed and can offer emergency GP services.  The can be contacted on 111. 

MKUCC is based at: Milton Keynes Hospital, Standing Way, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, MK6 5NG

MK NHS Walk-in Centre - located in the hospital grounds is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year between 07:00 & 22:00.  The team can treat patients with minor injuries and illnesses. You do not need an appointment.

Your Local Pharmacist - will be able to give you free health advice and you don’t need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basis. For details call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Accident & Emergency/999 - Whatever the day or time, if you or someone else experiences severe chest pain, loss of blood or suspected broken bones, go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999. Accident and emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can assess serious injuries and provide emergency treatment. 

Home Treatment

Remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. We suggest you keep the following: 

• Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
• Mild laxatives & anti-diarrhoeal medicines
• Rehydration mixture
• Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
• Travel sickness tablets
• Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher & Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
• Tweezers and sharp scissors
• A thermometer
• A selection of plasters, non- absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings.

Remember

• Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children.
• Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
• Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
• Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy