NHS 111 First

What is NHS 111 First?

To manage the volume of patients in the Emergency Department waiting areas, if you do not need an ambulance you will be asked to contact NHS 111 for an appointment before attending. The service will then book you a time slot at the Emergency Department at Arrowe Park Hospital or at the most appropriate health service.

If it is decided you should go to the Emergency Department then you will be given a suitable time to attend and staff at the hospital will be expecting you.

• You may also be directed to another service in Wirral as an alternative to A&E.
• Patients will be spoken to by a trained professional and a clinician if needed.

Anyone who attends the Emergency Department without an appointment from NHS 111 will still be seen but could be directed to other services for treatment.

• People with life threatening conditions that need emergency attention should still call 999. Likewise, if the condition is not serious, they should still seek advice from their pharmacy or make an appointment with their GP.

The new approach will ensure that patients can access the clinical service they need, first time.

Out of Hours

At weekends and every evening after 18:30 the Wirral GP Out of Hours Service covers your medical needs. This is the NHS 111 number.

There are also the walk-in centres. They provide assessment, treatment and advice for minor injuries and illnesses including:

• Infection and rashes
• Emergency contraception and advice
• Bruises
• Burns and strains
• Blood pressure checks
• Coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms
• Sore throats and earache
• Hayfever, bites and stings
• Minor cuts and wounds – wound care and dressings
• Skin complaints – rashes, sunburn, headlice
• Smoking cessation support
• Stomach ache, indigestion, constipation, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Women’s health problems, e.g. thrush, menstrual advice
• Men’s health problems
• Muscle and joint injuries – strains and sprains*
• Suturing*
• X-Ray*

*These services are only available at Victoria Central Walk-in Centre and the Minor Injuries Unit.

For more information about walk-in centres, please click :

https://www.wchc.nhs.uk/services/minor-injuries/

You should not attend the Accident & Emergency Department unless you experience a serious accident or an emergency situation. The use of this department for minor conditions is an inappropriate use of NHS funds.

Call 999 in an emergency. Chest pains and/or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.