To ensure everyone receives the best possible medical attention quickly and safely, it is vital to know which NHS service to use for your specific needs. By choosing the right care in the right place, you help keep our emergency services available for those who need them most.
Here is your guide to accessing the correct care in Scotland:
1. Life-Threatening Emergencies: Call 999
For critical emergencies—such as a suspected heart attack, stroke, severe breathing difficulties, or heavy bleeding—call 999 immediately or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E).
2. Urgent Care (Non-Life Threatening): Call 111
If you think you need to visit A&E but it is not a life-threatening emergency, phone NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night. They can arrange a consultation or direct you to the most appropriate local service.
- BSL Users: Access the Contact Scotland BSL relay service.
- Textphone Users: Contact 18001 111 via Relay UK.
3. Minor Injuries: Call 111
For cuts, minor burns, sprains, or suspected broken bones, call 111 to be directed to a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU). This is often faster than waiting at A&E. You can locate your nearest unit via Scotland’s Service Directory: Minor Injuries.
4. Community Health Services
For many health concerns, your local community experts are the best place to start:
- Pharmacy: For advice on minor illnesses like coughs, colds, or pharmacy-first treatments. Find a pharmacy.
- GP Practice: For routine healthcare or symptoms that won’t go away. Find a GP practice.
- Optician: For any eye problems or blurred vision. Find an optician.
- Dentist: For urgent or routine dental care. Find a dental surgery.
5. Mental Health Support
- Emotional Support: Call 0800 83 85 87 or visit Breathing Space.
- Self-Help Guides: Access resources for anxiety, stress, and low mood at NHS inform: Mental Health.
- Urgent Help: For urgent mental health support, call 111 at any time.
6. Online Self-Help
You can often manage symptoms safely at home using NHS inform’s Self-Help Guides, which cover everything from flu to muscle and joint pain.
For more information on how to get the Right Care in the Right Place, visit: nhsinform.scot