Calling us - the NHS Direct telephone service
For health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, just dial...
111 from any landline or mobile phone free of charge.
Some areas of the country are still covered by the 0845 4647 service.
Click here to find out if you live in an 0845 area. Call costs to 0845 4647 are detailed below.
When you call NHS Direct, we’ll ask you to provide some basic information, including details of any medication you may be taking. If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, you’ll need to provide this information on their behalf.
We’ll assess your problem and advise you on the best course of action. If you’re feeling unwell at the time of your call, you may be told how you can look after yourself at home, or we may recommend seeing a pharmacist (chemist).
If it’s something more serious, you may be advised to see another health professional, such as your doctor. If the problem is very serious, we can help you to access the ambulance service.
Whatever the problem, we’re here to give you the help and reassurance you need.
Call costs
Calls from BT landlines:
- Calls to NHS Direct cost a maximum of 5 pence per minute from a BT landline.
Calls from mobiles and other networks:
- The cost of calls from mobiles and other networks may vary, and can be considerably more than from a landline.
- 0845 numbers may not be covered by your inclusive minutes plan. You may be charged a minimum cost per call.
- Please check your mobile provider for 0845 call charge rates.
Interpreter service
We also have a confidential interpreter service, which is available in many languages. Simply say the language you wish to use when we answer your call.
Textphone service
A textphone service is also available if you are deaf or hard of hearing. The textphone number is 18001 111.
Calling NHS Direct from an organisation with a central switchboard
If you are calling from an organisation which has a central switchboard, sometimes the telephone system won’t recognise telephone numbers which are less than 11 digits long.
The NHS Direct telephone number is only 8 numbers long, so try adding 3 more numbers after it. These can be any numbers for example 0845 4647 123.
Related Links
Interpreter service
If English is not your first language, NHS Direct provides a confidential interpreter service in many other languages...
Colds & flu
Get advice now on whether you should see your GP or look after yourself at home. Flu can be a serious condition for some people, so it's important to get advice if you have flu-like symptoms...
