When you or someone you care for becomes unwell or injured, it’s important to know where to go for the right help. Choosing the most appropriate service could get you the help you need, faster. And by doing so, you’ll be helping the NHS to work at its best.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is available online or by phone if you need urgent medical help but it’s not life‑threatening. They can also direct you to the most appropriate service if you’re not sure where to seek help.
Call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online to:
- Get quick advice on symptoms
- Be directed to the most appropriate service
- Receive a booked arrival time at an Emergency Department or Urgent Treatment Centre, or an out-of-hours GP, if needed
- Access urgent mental health support by selecting the mental health option (option 2)
- Access emergency dental care.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency care (A&E)
Emergency Departments are for serious or life‑threatening illnesses and injuries, such as:
- Chest pain or signs of a heart attack
- Sudden weakness or facial drooping (possible stroke)
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Heavy bleeding
- Serious burns or scalds
- Loss of consciousness
- Major trauma or severe injury
- Severe allergic reactions
When to call 999
If someone’s life is at risk, always call 999.
Local hospitals providing emergency care
Emergency Departments (A&E) are available at the following hospitals across Norfolk and Suffolk:
Norfolk
- James Paget University Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Suffolk
- Ipswich Hospital (part of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)
- West Suffolk Hospital
Mental health crisis
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 111 and select the ‘mental health option’.
Emergency dental care
If you think you need urgent care, contact your usual dentist if you have one, as some surgeries offer emergency dental appointments and will provide care if clinically necessary.
You can also contact NHS 111, who will put you in touch with an urgent dental service. Do not contact a GP as they cannot offer urgent or emergency dental care.
If you are in pain while waiting to see a dentist, take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
NHS 111 can also offer other self-care advice.
When to go to hospital for dental care
Only go to A&E if you have:
- Severe swelling, or increasing swelling of your mouth, lips, throat, neck, or eye
- Heavy bleeding
- Injuries to your face, mouth, or teeth
If you are not sure whether you should go to A&E, contact NHS 111, who will be able to advise you.
How much will I be charged?
The emergency dentist will only treat your emergency dental problem and reduce any pain.
Emergency or urgent dental treatment costs £27.40, unless you’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment.
If you are asked to return for further treatment, this will be considered a separate course of non-urgent treatment.
If you are not entitled to free NHS dental treatment, you will need to pay the relevant charge for the new course of treatment.
Ask the dentist about the cost of the treatment and if you can have a treatment plan.
Learn about NHS dental treatment costsWhen you’re not sure what to do
If you’re unsure which service you need, NHS 111 can help you decide. They can also arrange a time for you to arrive at A&E if an emergency department is the right place for your care.
