NHS 24 is a health resource for individuals and professionals in Scotland.
NHS 24 Helpline – Free to call number 111
Part of the NHS, NHS 24 provides confidential access to medical information, guidance and reassurance via a 24 hour telephone helpline. The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare advice and treatment primarily for UK citizens. The first line of access, known as Primary Health Care has traditionally been via a General Practitioner or GP through a local health or medical centre. Patient health care is managed on personal basis by the GP using a range of other practitioners and resources as necessary. More recently the Primary Health Care provision has been supplemented by NHS 24.
Out of hours GP
In addition to these core services NHS 24 provides a range of commissioned services including out of hours GP and dental cover and specialised support for patients with long term conditions.
Visiting the NHS 24 website and the linked website NHS Choices (see below for links) will allow you to find advice about medical conditions and their effect and treatment. A search through the Health and Symptom Checker offers you specific advice about common areas like the Common Cold and Flu, Mental Health problems, Contraception, and Men’s Sexual Health. In addition a Self-Help guide allows you to search for information about a specific named condition through an A – Z Directory or by searching for symptoms by using a ‘body map’. Following the Self Help guide will help you to identify whether your symptoms are easily explained and treated without medical intervention or whether you should be seeking more personalised advice. Less urgent questions can be sent to NHS 24 via email.
Any indication of a medical emergency is clearly signposted to the Emergency Services. And any less urgent uncertainty about the nature of the condition will be directed either to the NHS 24 Telephone Helpline or your GP.
If there is any doubt about the nature of your condition, or the severity of the symptoms NHS 24 also provides a 24 hour telephone helpline 111 where you can speak to a trained advisor who will help you to determine whether you need to visit your GP.
The NHS 24 website also contains a comprehensive section of advice on healthy living.
NHS Choices, a partner website includes a range of blogs for patients, cares and medical professionals to share their experiences online.
The website also contains a health service locator which enables you to locate the nearest GP surgery, hospital, dentist or other service.
Visit www.nhs24.com and NHS Choices to explore the possibilities yourself.
NHS Direct Wales is the NHS direct service for people in Wales. It provides information in English and Welsh
0845 4647
In England NHS advice and health care information can be accessed by calling 111
workplacewellbeing.com assumes no responsibility for the content of linked websites.
