People self-isolating with suspected coronavirus symptoms will now get regular check-ins from a new NHS 111 online messaging service.
Once individuals have been through the online assessment, daily texts will be sent to those who have registered their Covid-19 symptoms and left contact details.
Depending on the duration of their isolation, the daily messages will check how people are and ensure that those who need help to get them through that period, receive it. The text messages are sent from NHS Covid-19. 111.nhs.uk takes you to the NHS 111 online assessment pages, should you want to signpost people to it and the new service. The text messaging service has been commissioned by NHSX and built by NHS Digital and the NHS Business Services Authority.
The Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) is located at University College Hospital and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone seeking healthcare for an urgent medical problem related to an accident or illness. A&E can be very busy and should be used for those patients seeking only urgent medical attention.
If you have an urgent but non life-threatening problem, you should call NHS 111 before attending the hospital. You will then be directed to the most suitable location for your care in the first instance, as A&E is not always the most appropriate option.
If your problem is life-threatening, you should still use 999 and come straight to A&E.
For non-emergency problems (such as coughs, sore throat, flu-like symptoms and urinary tract infections) please consider other treatment options such as:
- Calling NHS 111 by dialling 111 - this service offers health information and advice from a specially trained nurse over the phone, 24 hours a day.
- Calling your GP surgery to be seen by an emergency doctor or to make an appointment to see your usual doctor.
- Attending a Walk-In Centre - these provide fast and convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment for minor illnesses and injury. No appointment is necessary. Please contact NHS Direct to find out where your nearest walk-in centre is located.
