Where to go in an emergency in England: 111, 999, A&E, urgent treatment centres and Pharmacy First
Published: Last checked: October 20264 min read
Short answer
Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency; use NHS 111 (online, app or phone, with free interpreters) when it is urgent but not life-threatening; A&E is for serious injuries and is free to everyone. For 7 minor conditions Pharmacy First lets a pharmacist treat you directly.
In short
- This post is general information, not medical or legal advice. It is based on the NHS, NHSBSA and GOV.UK pages as they were on 18 October 2026 and applies to England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
- Life-threatening emergency: 999. Urgent but not life-threatening, or if you are unsure: NHS 111. Serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies: A&E.
- According to the GOV.UK guide, A&E services are free to everyone.
- For minor conditions, a pharmacy (Pharmacy First) can help instead of waiting for a GP appointment.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- NHS: When to call 999
- NHS: When to use NHS 111
- NHS: When to go to A&E
- NHS England: Pharmacy First service
- GOV.UK: NHS entitlements, migrant health guide
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