Residents are encouraged to use NHS 111 for urgent health concerns that are not life-threatening.

Health leaders across the DLN cluster are asking people to contact NHS 111 when they need urgent medical help but are not sure which service is right for them.

NHS 111 is available online at 111.nhs.uk and by phone, 24 hours a day. The service asks questions about symptoms and can direct people to the most appropriate care. Depending on clinical need, this may include self-care advice, a community pharmacy, an out-of-hours GP service, an urgent treatment centre or emergency care.

Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) at NHS Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB cluster, said: “When you or someone you care for needs urgent medical help, sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn. NHS 111 can assess your symptoms and guide you to the service best placed to help, whether that’s a pharmacist, an urgent treatment centre or another NHS service.

“Using NHS 111 early can help you get the right advice without making an unnecessary journey, particularly during the busy winter months. It’s available online or by phone, day and night. If someone’s life is at risk, always call 999.”

People should call 999 or go to A&E for a life-threatening emergency, such as signs of a heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or a serious injury.

Parents and carers should trust their judgement and seek help if a child is seriously unwell. People who cannot use the online service can call 111.

Choose well this winter: use NHS 111 when the need is urgent but not life-threatening; use 999 and A&E for emergencies.