Londoners to get NHS urgent and emergency care in the right place, at the right time with 111 First
NHS 111 can now book time slots for those who need them at all A&E departments across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington (north central London).
This is part of a drive to make it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment at the right time, without waiting for long periods of time in an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. This will also help the NHS to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission, by allowing more space for social distancing in A&E waiting rooms.
The new system started in the autumn across several London hospitals, including the North Middlesex University Hospital and Barnet Hospital, and has now expanded to the Royal Free, UCLH and Whittington Health. Children and those needing mental health treatment are now also included.
If you think you have an urgent, but not life-threatening, health problem, contact NHS 111 first. You can either call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
In north central London we have increased our NHS 111 capacity by 20%, meaning that more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, dental nurses and trained health advisors than ever before are available to help you.
If you or your loved one has a life-threatening illness or injury, then you should always call 999.
If you do arrive at A&E without contacting NHS 111 you will still receive medical care, with the most urgent needs prioritised. However, using NHS 111 first will help you get quicker, safer care in the right environment.