A new national initiative is encouraging people to contact NHS 111 before travelling to hospital or minor injuries treatment unit when seeking urgent and emergency care.

The new Think 111 First initiative launched on Tuesday this week, and asks people in need of urgent health care to contact NHS 111, either online or by phone, to be directed to the most appropriate healthcare service.

People with very serious or life-threatening health conditions, such as chest pain, severe bleeding or loss of consciousness, should still continue to phone 999 without delay. By contacting NHS 111 first, people can be assured they are being referred to the right help for their condition, which might be to see their GP or pharmacist, or to go to an urgent treatment centre.

In situations where people contacting NHS 111 do need urgent or emergency care, a timed arrival slot will be arranged at the nearest minor injuries unit or, in some cases, at the nearest hospital emergency department.

From Tuesday, 1st December, healthcare facilities in our region, including the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Salisbury District Hospital, along with three minor injury units and two urgent treatment centres, will begin using the new Think 111 First system. People who arrive at one of these healthcare facilities without having first contacted NHS 111, will not be turned away, but may be asked to wait or be signposted to a more appropriate local healthcare service.

More information about Think 111 First, as well as details of all local health and care services, can be found online at: www.bswccg.nhs.uk