This service provides 24/7 access to non-emergency medical advice online and through a telephone helpline. The service allows individuals to report their symptoms, and they are either given self-care advice by call handlers, referred to medical staff or directed to treatment (provided by GP surgeries, pharmacies, or urgent treatment centres, for example). In emergency cases, patients are asked to attend accident and emergency, or NHS 111 may send an ambulance directly to the patient. 
See also: urgent and emergency care services

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