A&E, 111, or GP? Knowing Where to Go

Call 999 or Go to A&E For:

These are life-threatening emergencies:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding that won't stop
• Stroke symptoms — face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty (FAST)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures (if first time or lasting more than 5 minutes)
• Serious injuries — broken bones, deep wounds, head injuries with confusion

Call 111 For:

Non-emergency but urgent situations:

• You need medical help but it's not life-threatening
• You're not sure where to go
• You need out-of-hours GP advice
• You think you need to go to A&E but aren't sure

111 can:

• Give you clinical advice
• Book you into an urgent treatment centre
• Arrange an out-of-hours GP appointment
• Send an ambulance if needed

See Your GP For:

Non-urgent but ongoing concerns:

• Symptoms lasting more than a few days
• Chronic condition management
• Mental health concerns
• Medication reviews
• Referrals to specialists

Visit a Pharmacy For:

Minor conditions that don't need a doctor:

• Pharmacy First conditions: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, uncomplicated UTIs (women 16-64)
• Coughs and colds
• Minor aches and pains
• Skin conditions like mild eczema
• Hay fever and allergies

Use Patient Ally While You Wait

Whatever route you take, Patient Ally can help you:

• Document symptoms before your appointment
• Get educational information about your condition
• Track how symptoms change over time
• Prepare questions for your healthcare provider

This article is for educational purposes only. In a medical emergency, always call 999.