NHS 111 service

NHS 111 is a new service that's being introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services in England. 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 emergencyyou 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 callyou need health information or reassurance about what to do next
• For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.
• If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, continue to use that number.

For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.

NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk (A great medical resource)

Does the Walk-In offer a repeat prescription service?
Repeat Prescription - Only in emergencies - We will only offer short term repeat prescriptions to ensure you have sufficient medication and which will give you enough time to see your own registered GP for continued ongoing repeat prescriptions and health review. Because we are ONLY a walk in service now, your own GP should be contacted in the first place.

Does the Walk-In dispense prescriptions?
Not currently, although there are several pharmacists available in the area. Please ask our reception for more details.

How can you make a comment, complaint or suggestion?
We welcome feedback as the service is for the benefit of you, our patients.

Please feel free to discuss your feedback with a member of staff at the health centre, or alternatively you can complete a feedback questionnaire available at the health centre.

If you have a complaint, you can download our complaints leaflet, or ask a member of staff for a copy.

We will then do everything we can to rectify the situation to your satisfaction.

If you are still not satisfied that your complaint has been resolved, you are invited to use the NHS complaints procedure - one of our staff will be pleased to assist you.

What are the patients' responsibilities?

The Walk-In promotes mutual respect - any patient exhibiting verbal or physical abuse towards doctors or staff will be asked to leave the premises.

Is there parking available at the health centre?
There is extremely limited parking, which is prioritised for the use of disabled patients or for emergencies.

We kindly ask patients to make use of available roadside parking. There are also bicycle racks available for those wishing to take the healthier option!

Who will have access to your information?
Your clinical records are confidential.

All our practice staff are strictly bound to maintain absolute confidentiality on any personal medical information they may necessarily have access to in the course of their duties.

Access to these records by third parties will only be permitted with express consent of the patient.

Does the Walk-In provide disabled access?
Yes, the Walk-In is fully accessible for patients with disability.

How long will I wait as a Walk In Patient?

The waiting times are often unpredictable and can range depending on the demand for the service. Weekends and Bank Holidays are often our busiest periods.

You will be informed of an approximate waiting time after you have been booked in to see a clinician.

Please be patient and we will assist you as much as possible.

Please feel free to call us on 01202 720174 if you have any queries, our reception team will be happy to help.