Following a post criticising the NHS 111 Service, I thought that perhaps we should share some positive experiences.
I have only used 111 once, over this August Bank Holiday weekend when my wife took a turn for the worse and needed a repeat prescription of her anti-nausea tablets. It was Saturday, my surgery was closed and so was my local pharmacy.
I called 111 and was told by the machine that the service was very busy but that you could use the online 111 service, which I hadn't known about: 111.nhs.uk
The online service was very efficient and easy to use and a prescription was sent electronically to a nearby pharmacy that would be open on Sunday morning. The prescription was for a seven day emergency supply of the drug.
So the service can work well if your needs are straightforward.
Paul
Written by
Engineer46
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
You could have just walked in to most pharmacies for an emergency supply. They can access your records with your consent. As a pharmacist this service has been available for about 30 years. As a former 111 pharmacist I’m glad you had great service.
I first went to my local pharmacy on Saturday, but they were closed because the pharmacist was ill. I then called another pharmacy but they wouldn't break a box of 100 tablets without a prescription but neither would they sell 100 tablets (Cyclizine anti-nausea tablets, which in theory are OTC). They suggested 111 and the online service sorted out an emergency prescription and found my nearest open pharmacy.
Never tried the online service. Our health authority uses 111 which directs you to a local group of doctors. However getting a reply from them can take hours and the actual phone line has so many menus, instructions on what to do if you might have C , press 1, 2 or 3 that my husband just gave up. I think it varies a lot depending on how your health authority uses it.
I have used the telephone 111 service several times, for myself and to get help for my parents 100 miles away
i have always met with excellent staff who have done their best to help
the pandemic and cuts to services have affected response time but it's still a brilliant and really useful service
they also provide "out of hours" cover for many GP practices - this helps to organise access to urgent but non-emergency medical support at a local venue when GP services are not open
i can't praise and thank it enough
we are so lucky to still have the NHS
I am genuinely pleased that some people get a good service from 111. That is, after all, why it's there, to take the pressure off the emergency services.
Unfortunately many others have not had the same quality of service, including me, which shows a different viewpoint even allowing for some of the more spurious reviews ....
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Patient Access app change
Phone 111 or 999
Amlodipine shortage?
