Growing numbers of people check their symptoms online
A growing number of people across Wales are now turning to the NHS 111 Wales website to check their symptoms online.
Over a third of people living in Wales (34%) would now visit www.111.wales.nhs.uk, hosted by the Welsh Ambulance Service to access information and advice when feeling under the weather.
The way we access NHS services has changed but the NHS 111 Wales service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Adrian Osborne, Assistant Director at Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “It is a quick and convenient way for you to access information and advice wherever and whenever you need it. It should be your first port of call if you are feeling unwell but are not sure what is wrong.”
According to a recent YouGov survey for the Welsh Government’s Help Us Help You campaign, 62% of people living in Wales feel confident using the NHS 111 Wales website or online symptom checkers for advice about a non-life-threatening injury or illness.
“We understand that sometimes it’s helpful to speak to a person rather than using a website,” added Adrian. “If you can’t find the information you need on the NHS 111 Wales website, or you continue to be concerned about yourself or someone you care for, you can give NHS 111 Wales a call where their expert team can help advise you on what to do next.
Dependent on your situation and where you live, the NHS 111 Wales telephone service allows you to:
- Get self-care advice.
- Find out what local health service can help you or how to get any medicine you may need.
- Speak to a healthcare professional.