NHS 111, the brand new non-emergency telephone number for accessing local health services, has launched in Blackburn with Darwen as part of a Lancashire-wide pilot.

The free service, which is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, can be accessed by calling the easy to remember, three-digit number -111- and offers help and advice for minor injuries and illness, when it’s not an emergency. For emergencies, 999 continues to be the number to call. See attached letter for more information. (View 111 Schools Letter)

We will need your help to make sure everyone knows about the service.

The 111 telephone service will be widely promoted through local press and broadcast media and leaflets will be sent to every household in Blackburn with Darwen. Within the next few weeks, we will send you posters, leaflets and wallet-sized cards to ensure you have plenty of information to give out to staff, parents and pupils.

In the meantime, please could you include the short article attached in your next newsletter? (View Schools Newsletter)  You will also find attached some frequently asked questions.  (View what is NHS 111 document)

 Downloadable posters and leaflets will be available on the new website at www.northwest111.nhs.ukand you can signpost members of the public there for information. Alternatively, please signpost people to the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk, where they can search for information about NHS 111. This website includes a translate button so that people can read the information in different languages.