⚠️ NOT FOR EMERGENCIES. This service is for administrative inquiries only. If in danger, dial 999 immediately.
NHS 111
NHS 111 Textphone Support provides non-emergency medical advice and triage services for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech difficulties. Available 24/7, this service connects users to NHS advisers via text relay, offering urgent but non-life-threatening medical guidance and referrals. The service is accessible across England, Scotland, and Wales and is free to use. Common reasons for calling include seeking medical advice, triage, and referrals to appropriate NHS services. While the service operates continuously, users may experience longer wait times during peak periods such as public health crises or winter months. It is advisable to call during off-peak hours for quicker assistance.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Receive medical advice
- Get triage assessment
- Obtain service referrals
- Access text relay support
- Communicate symptoms
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Textphone or Relay UK app
- Personal details
- Symptom description
- Location information
- Dial 18001 111
- NHS number (if available)
Known issues
Users frequently report long wait times, particularly during public health crises or winter months. It is recommended to wait or try calling again later as there is no guaranteed resolution for this issue. Additionally, some users experience inconsistent service quality, especially when services are outsourced. If you encounter this, consider escalating your concerns through NHS feedback channels. To avoid frustrations, calling during off-peak hours may help reduce wait times and improve service consistency.
