This page is a printable version of: https://www.iow.nhs.uk/our-services/nhs-111/nhs-111.htm
Date: 18 September 2021

Current waiting times (average) Emergency Dept. (A&E): 36 minutes Emergency Dept. (children): 0 minutes Learn more about our waiting times

NHS 111 First

What is NHS 111 First?

NHS 111 First is a phone and online service that makes it easier for you to access local health services. If you live in, or are visiting the Isle of Wight you can now call 111 when you need medical help fast, but it isn’t a 999 emergency.

You will be assessed, given advice and directed straightaway to the local service that can help you best. That could be the Emergency Department (A&E), an out of hours doctor, a walk-in centre, community nurse, emergency dentist or a late opening chemist.

NHS 111 First is an extension to the usual NHS 111 service as it now allows the call handlers to book people an arrival slot in the Emergency Department.

You can ring the 111 number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free.

When do I use it?

You should use the NHS 111 service if:

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

A trained NHS adviser or healthcare professional will help you right away. If you need urgent care, we’ll help you be seen quickly and safely.

For less urgent health needs, you should still contact your GP in the usual way. For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.

Why should I use it?

NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help – wherever you are, and whatever the time.
It can also help us to free up 999 and local Emergency Departments so that they can focus on emergency cases.
If 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.

Feedback on our service will enable us to understand what we do well and how we can improve. Please click here to submit your feedback.