How to contact NHS 111 if you’re deaf

If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, go straight to NHS 111 (note: for life-threatening emergencies you should still call 999. You can text the emergency services on 999 but you need to register your phone in advance. To find out more go to: emergencysms.org.uk)

You can now get help and advice from NHS 111 online – as well as by phone, textphone or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service.

If you have an urgent medical problem, you can now get help and advice from NHS 111 online, as well as accessing it by phone, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service and textphone.

Info about all the ways you can contact 111 in BSL (scroll down to continue in English)

Just like the phone service, when you use NHS 111 online, you will answer questions about your symptoms. You’ll then get tailored advice on where and when to get help and, if needed, you will be connected to a nurse or GP.

You can access NHS 111 online on a smartphone, tablet or computer – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To use NHS 111 online, visit: 111.nhs.uk

You can also get help from 111 using a BSL interpreter at:

www.interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111

Using your computer and webcam, or the InterpreterNow app on your smartphone or tablet, you make a video call to a BSL interpreter.

The interpreter phones an NHS 111 adviser and relays your conversation with them. The NHS 111 adviser will ask you questions about your symptoms, then give you healthcare advice or tell you which local service can help.

Where possible, the NHS 111 team will book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to. If NHS 111 advisers think you need an ambulance, they will arrange one for you immediately

The NHS BSL video relay service is open from 8am to midnight every day. For more details or to contact the service, go to the InterpreterNow website at: www.interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111

And if you have difficulties communicating or hearing, you can also contact NHS 111 via textphone on: 18001 111

Contacting NHS 111 online provides you with another convenient way to get the right help or advice when you need it. But whichever way you make contact, NHS 111 will ensure that you get the right care, from the right person, as quickly as possible.

So, if you think you need urgent medical help, call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. ‘Help Us Help You’ know what to do.

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies

For life-threatening emergencies you should still call 999. You can text the emergency services on 999 but you need to register your phone in advance. To find out more go to: emergencysms.org.uk

For more information about the NHS 111 service, including information in alternative formats, go to nhs.uk/111