111 is the telephone number for NHS 24. This service helps millions of people every year with non-life threatening ailments that do not need A&E attention, but cannot wait until the GP is open.
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This service launched over 20 years ago and has saved millions of unnecessary A&E visits. So far, the service has helped over 20 million people across the country.
With this, there is so much that people do not know about the service. For example, did you know it is a special health board of the NHS?
So, here are 12 facts you may not know about NHS 24.
Facts you didn’t know about 111
1. NHS 24 launched on the 8 May 2002, initially as a pilot project serving 600,000 people across Grampian. It received its first phone call on 2:10pm that day and because of its success, in 2004 it was then expanded to help the entire population of Scotland. This is amazing.
2. NHS 24 manages NHS inform which is Scotland’s only national health information site. It was launched on 23 June 2010. NHS inform helps people who are looking for trusted healthcare information about the ailment they are suffering from.
3. NHS inform ensures extensive health resources are available online free of charge. The site includes online ‘symptom checkers’ where the public can check symptoms and get advice on what to do or who and when to call if they need further advice.
4. The 111 service receives on average around 12,000 calls per month regarding musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, twisted ankles and knee problems. Approximately 20% of these calls result in self-care advice, where the condition can be effectively managed at home without the need to further consult a health professional.
5. NHS 24 has six main contact centres across Scotland. These are situated in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and South Queensferry. There are also three local centres in partnership with NHS boards. The Aberdeen centre is located in the Matthew Hay Building at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
6. NHS 24 currently employs over 1815 members of staff across the country.
7. The telephone number for NHS 24 changed on 29 April 2014 to 111. The new number was easier to remember and is free to call from mobile phones as well as landlines.
8. The Covid-19 line was launched through NHS 24 on 31 January 2020 as a response to the emerging pandemic. This allowed people who were unwell with the virus, but not critical, to receive advice on how to look after themselves and manage their symptoms.
9. Approximately one-third of calls to the 111 service result in safe self-care advice.
10. NHS 24 mental health services are available to everyone in Scotland. The services include listening, offering advice, and guiding you to further help if required. When you phone 111 and choose the mental health option, you’ll be connected to a team of psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs). These are specially trained advisors who work in mental health.
11. The NHS 24 Public Partnership Forum and the NHS 24 Youth Forum offer people the opportunity to volunteer to be part of the NHS 24 team. These forums include members of the public who volunteer to get together to help ensure that NHS 24 services are designed with the people who use them in mind.
12. On the 26 March 2022 at 6:12am, the 111 service received its 27 millionth phone call. This shows just how vital the service is to the people of Scotland.
It’s important that people are aware that there are other healthcare services available to deal with urgent and out of hours health issues, such as NHS 24’s 111 service and NHS inform, and that accident and emergency departments are not their only option.
This will also mean that A&E are able to effectively manage emergency and life-threatening situations. By using NHS services wisely, people can keep well and get the care they need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Do you want to learn more about the 111 service and what NHS 24 can help with? If so, head over to the NHS inform for more information and advice.
