Right care right place

The way we access urgent care has changed. To protect us and the NHS, it’s important you know how to get the right care, in the right place.

If we all use NHS services wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.

Phone NHS 24 on 111 for urgent care

If you think you need to visit A&E but it’s not life threatening, you can phone NHS 24 on 111, day or night.

Phone 111 if you:

think you need to go to A&E but it’s not life threateningare too ill to wait for your GP practice to openhave worsening symptoms of coronavirus

NHS 24 will help you get the right care in the right place, often closer to home and without the need to go to A&E. This may include a phone or video consultation.

Or, you can still contact your GP practice during opening hours.

If it’s a life threatening emergency, you should phone 999 or go directly to A&E.

Different ways to access NHS 24 on 111

You can access urgent care from NHS 24 on 111 in different ways.

Language Line

If English isn’t your first or preferred language, you can use the free interpretation service Language Line.

British Sign Language (BSL)

If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can use the free BSL interpreting video relay service contactSCOTLAND-BSL.

More information about Right care right place in BSL.

Relay UK

If you use a textphone you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111.

Or, you can contact NHS 24 with the Relay UK app.

Community health care services

The way we access community health care services has also changed due to coronavirus. Community health care services include pharmacies, GP practices, dentists and optometrists (opticians).

Do:

speak to your local pharmacy for advice about minor illnesses, treatments and medicationcontact your local optician if you have an eye problemuse our self-help guides for everyday illnessescontact your GP practice, optician or dentist by phone or online firstfollow physical distancing measures if you’re attending in person

Don’t

do not visit your GP practice, optician or dentist without an appointmentdo not arrive too early or too late for your appointmentdo not attend in person if you, or someone you live with, have symptoms of coronavirus

If you are isolating and have a non-covid health concern which cannot wait until your isolation time period ends, please contact your GP practice, local hospital or outpatient service to discuss what actions you should take.

Read further information about changes to community health care services

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you have developed symptoms of coronavirus, stay at home and arrange to be tested.

Symptoms of coronavirus

The most common symptoms are new:

continuous coughfever/high temperature (37.8C or greater)loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia)

A new continuous cough is where you:

have a new cough that’s lasted for an hourhave had 3 or more episodes of coughing in 24 hoursare coughing more than usual

A high temperature is feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back (you don’t need to measure your temperature). You may feel warm, cold or shivery.

You should follow our guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection.

Only phone NHS 24 on 111 if:

your symptoms worsen during home isolation, especially if you’re in a high or extremely high-risk groupbreathlessness develops or worsens, particularly if you’re in a high or extremely high-risk groupyour symptoms haven’t improved in 10 days

Coronavirus (COVID-19): General advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test and Protect

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection

Protect Scotland app

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine