NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
Call 111 if:
- You need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency
- You think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
- You don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
- You need health information or reassurance about what to do next
For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way. If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your
condition, continue to use that number.
For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999. 111 replaces NHS Direct (0845 4647).
101 is the number to call when you want to contact your local police – when it’s less urgent than a 999 call. 101 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long you are on the phone.
When to call 101?
You should call 101 to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. For example, you should call 101:
- if your car has been stolen
- if your property has been damaged
- if you suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood
- to report a minor traffic collision
- to give the police information about crime in your area
- to speak to the police about a general enquiry
What is the difference between 101 and 999? You should continue to call 999 when it is an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened. To contact the police for any other reason, call 101.
101 replaces the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number 08458 505 505.
