Trust joins NHS 111 First service

Thursday 3 December 2020


Ambulance outside the emergency department at St Thomas' Hospital

Guy's and St Thomas' is encouraging people who need urgent care to contact NHS 111 before going to A&E.

The new Think 111 First initiative asks people who have an urgent but not life threatening emergency to contact NHS 111, either online or by phone, before travelling to hospital.

NHS 111 advisors can help assess your needs, and can book you in with the Trust's emergency department (A&E) or one of its urgent care centres so you can be seen quickly and safely where necessary.

The NHS 111 First service aims to reduce waiting times and further prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) with fewer people in the emergency department.

Across south east London, NHS 111 can also issue prescriptions to a pharmacy of your choice. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

People who have a life-threatening illness or injury should continue to dial 999. If you arrive at the emergency department without calling NHS 111, you will still receive medical care, with those needing emergency treatment prioritised.

For more information, visit the NHS website.

Read information for patients who need to access our emergency services.

Last updated: March 2022

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