When We Are Closed

If you are unwell in the evening, overnight or at the weekend you can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

When to use it

You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation.

Call 111 if:

• you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
• you need health information or reassurance about what to do next

This service is for urgent medical situations. If you or a member of your family becomes ill and you are concerned. It is not for routine enquiries, such as booking an appointment with you GP, repeat prescriptions, test results etc.

However, there is a GP walk-in service available at weekends at the Boscombe & Springbourne Medical Centre in Palmerston Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth.  This walk-in clinic is available to all patients irrespective of where they are registered and their telephone number is 01202 720174.

If you injury or illness is severe of if you have had a serious accident telephone 999 and ask for an ambulance. Alternatively you can visit your local A&E Department.

When should I call an ambulance of go straight to hospital? Chest pain where a heart attack is suspected is a reason to telephone 999. So is discovery of any unconscious person with no pulse, or a patient who has severe difficulty with breathing. Severe injuries (including suspected fractures or suturing) need to be seen at hospital.