21 May 2025

People with urgent but non-life-threatening medical needs are encouraged to use NHS 111 online to get quick advice and be directed to the most appropriate care, especially over the bank holiday weekend when services are expected to be busy.

NHS 111 online is a fast and easy-to-use alternative to the NHS 111 phone service. It can help people 5 years and over by assessing symptoms, giving advice on what to do next, and connecting people to local services without having to wait on the phone.

Whether you need help with a minor injury, mental health support, advice about dental pain, or emergency medication, NHS 111 online is available 24/7. It’s especially useful if you can’t get a GP appointment or your surgery is closed.

Sophia from Newport recently searched 111.nhs.uk for help when she woke up with red, itchy insect bites after a family BBQ. When they started getting worse, she used NHS 111 online for advice and was directed to her local pharmacy. The pharmacist recommended a cream and gave her tips on managing the symptoms, including what to do if the bites got worse.

Sophia said: “I was glad I went online first. A friend suggested I go to the hospital, but that didn’t feel right for a few bites. The pharmacy was exactly what I needed.”

You can access NHS 111 by:

  • Visiting 111.nhs.uk
  • Using the NHS App
  • Calling 111

Lee Haward, IW Ambulance Service Head of Clinical Coordination Centre, said: "If you’ve got access to the internet, NHS 111 online is a really quick and easy way to get help. It works just like calling 111, but you can do it all online, anytime, day or night. Just go to the NHS 111 website or use the NHS App, answer a few questions about how you’re feeling, and it will guide you to the right care. It’s really easy to use and there when you need help."

Pharmacies can help with minor illnesses

Your local pharmacy is also a great source of expert help for minor conditions. As part of the Pharmacy First scheme, many community pharmacies can now offer clinical advice and treatment for common illnesses without the need to see a GP:

  • Sinusitis
  • Sore throat
  • Earache
  • Infected insect bites
  • Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
  • Shingles
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (in women)

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide advice, reassurance, and treatment options, often without an appointment.

Many pharmacies will remain open over the bank holiday weekend. You can find a list of pharmacies online.