The NHS has different services for different levels of need, and using the right one gets you help faster. A pharmacy handles minor illness, your GP handles ongoing and non-urgent care, NHS 111 advises when you are unsure, and A&E or 999 is for emergencies only. This guide shows you which service to use and when.
Which service to use
| Situation | Use |
|---|---|
| Minor illness: cough, cold, rash, sore throat | Pharmacy |
| Ongoing conditions, prescriptions, referrals | Your GP |
| Urgent but not an emergency, or unsure where to go | NHS 111 |
| Minor injury needing same-day care | Urgent Treatment Centre |
| Life-threatening emergency | A&E or call 999 |
Pharmacy: your first stop for minor illness
Pharmacists are qualified health professionals, and you do not need an appointment. Under the Pharmacy First scheme in England, a pharmacist can now assess and, where appropriate, supply treatment for several common conditions, such as sore throat, earache, sinusitis, urinary infections in women, shingles and infected insect bites, without you seeing a GP. Start here for everyday complaints.
Your GP: ongoing and non-urgent care
Your registered GP handles longer-term conditions, repeat prescriptions, health checks and referrals to specialists. Book by phone, online, or through the NHS App. GP care is not for emergencies, and waits for routine appointments can be long, which is why the pharmacy and 111 matter.
NHS 111: when you are not sure
NHS 111 is a free service available 24 hours a day, by phone on 111 or online. Use it when you need help quickly but it is not a life-threatening emergency, or when you simply do not know which service you need. It can give advice, arrange a callback from a clinician, or book you into the right service, including an urgent appointment.
A&E and 999: emergencies only
Accident and Emergency (A&E) and the 999 ambulance line are for serious, life-threatening situations only, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or signs of a stroke. Using A&E for minor problems means long waits and takes resources from people in danger. For anything less serious, use 111, a pharmacy or your GP first.
The NHS App
Download the free NHS App to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your record and get your NHS number. It is the easiest way to manage routine care once you are registered.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I go for a minor illness?
Start with a pharmacy. Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can treat several common conditions without a GP appointment.
When should I call 111 instead of 999?
Call 111 for urgent but non-life-threatening problems, or when unsure. Call 999 only for serious emergencies such as chest pain, severe bleeding or loss of consciousness.
Is NHS 111 free?
Yes. NHS 111 is free to call and available 24 hours a day, and there is also an online version.
Can I go straight to A&E?
Only for genuine emergencies. For minor injuries, an Urgent Treatment Centre or 111 is usually faster and more appropriate.
For the full picture of UK healthcare, see the NHS guide for newcomers.
