Featured guide
Choose urgent health help in the UK
A routing guide for deciding between 999, NHS 111 and routine care. It does not diagnose symptoms.
More practical guidance
Prepare for a health appointmentBring a short symptom timeline, medicine list and priority questions so limited appointment time is easier to use.Keep an accurate medicine listMaintain a portable record of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines for appointments, emergencies and medication reviews.
Quick checklist
- Immediate danger considered first
- Official NHS route used
- Location and medicine list ready
- Changes or worsening reported
- Nation-specific route checked
Common problems
You are unsure whether it is an emergency
NHS advises getting help from 111 if you are unsure whether you need 999. If signs are life-threatening, call 999.
Symptoms worsen while waiting
Follow the callback instructions and contact 111 again if symptoms change; call 999 for signs of a life-threatening illness.
What to do next
Follow the disposition given by the NHS service and seek further help if the condition changes. Do not use this page to delay urgent care.