Helping you decide what to do

👉 This guide is here to support decision‑making — not replace medical advice

👶 Babies & Children

✅ Call NHS 111 if:

• High temperature but responsive
• Feeding less than usual
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Rash you are unsure about
• You feel worried or something doesn’t seem right

🚨 Go to A&E / Call 999 if:

• Difficulty breathing
• Very drowsy or unresponsive
• Seizures (fits)
• Blue lips or skin
• Severe injury

👩‍⚕️ Contact GP if:

• Ongoing illness
• Mild symptoms not improving
• Routine concerns

🤰 During Pregnancy

✅ Call NHS 111 if:

• Pain that doesn’t feel normal
• Reduced baby movements
• Signs of infection
• Concern after a fall or illness

🚨 Emergency (999 / A&E):

• Heavy bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Sudden severe swelling or headache
• Collapse or breathing difficulty

👩‍⚕️ GP / Midwife:

• Routine concerns
• Advice on symptoms
• Follow‑ups

🤱 Post‑Birth (Mother)

✅ Call 111 if:

• Fever or feeling unwell
• Pain that is worsening
• Signs of infection (wound, stitches, breasts)
• Feeling unsure about recovery

🚨 Go to A&E / Call 999 if:

• Heavy bleeding
• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse

👩‍⚕️ GP:

• Ongoing recovery issues
• Emotional wellbeing support
• Follow‑up care

💛 A Simple Reminder

👉 If something feels wrong — trust your instincts

It’s always okay to:

• Ask for help
• Call 111
• Get checked

When you contact NHS 111:

✅ Step 1 – Initial Questions

• A trained advisor will ask about symptoms
• Questions help assess urgency

✅ Step 2 – Clinical Assessment (if needed)

• You may speak to a nurse, paramedic, or clinician

✅ Step 3 – Advice & Next Steps

You will be guided on what to do next

👉 The process is designed to be:

• Calm
• Clear
• Reassuring

✅ Possible Outcomes

After calling NHS 111, you may be:

• ✅ Given advice on how to manage symptoms at home
• ✅ Referred to a GP or out‑of‑hours service
• ✅ Booked an appointment or urgent assessment
• ✅ Directed to a pharmacy
• ✅ Advised to attend A&E if necessary

👉 NHS 111 helps you get the right care, in the right place

Helping families understand when to act

👶 Scenario 1: Baby Has a Temperature

“My baby felt warm and wasn’t feeding properly. I wasn’t sure if it was serious.”

👉 Best action: Call NHS 111
Outcome: Given advice and referred to a same‑day appointment

💬 Why it matters: Early advice prevents worry and ensures the right care

🤰 Scenario 2: Reduced Baby Movement

“I noticed my baby wasn’t moving as much as usual and felt unsure what to do.”

👉 Best action: Call 111 or maternity unit immediately
Outcome: Urgent assessment arranged

💬 Why it matters: Changes should always be checked quickly

🤱 Scenario 3: Feeling Unwell After Birth

“I had a fever and felt shaky a few days after birth.”

👉 Best action: Call 111
Outcome: Referred to urgent care for infection check

💬 Why it matters: Post‑natal infections need early treatment

👶 Scenario 4: Baby Struggling to Breathe

“My baby was breathing very fast and seemed unwell.”

👉 Best action: Call 999 / go to A&E immediately
Outcome: Emergency care provided

💬 Why it matters: Breathing problems are always urgent

👩‍⚕️ Scenario 5: Ongoing Concern

“My baby had a mild rash that wasn’t going away.”

👉 Best action: Contact GP
Outcome: Routine check and treatment

💬 Why it matters: Not everything is urgent — but still important to check

❤️ Why These Scenarios Help

Real examples can:

• Reduce confusion
• Build confidence in decision‑making
• Encourage early action
• Help parents trust their instincts

When you or your child are unwell, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to do.

• Should you wait?
• Call your GP?
• Go to A&E?
• Or seek advice straight away?

👉 NHS 111 is there to help you make that decision — quickly and safely

At Basch Helps, we want to help families feel confident knowing when and how to seek support.

💛 What Is NHS 111?

NHS 111 is a free, 24/7 service that provides:

• Medical advice and guidance
• Help deciding what care you need
• Access to urgent healthcare services

👉 You can:

• Call 111
• Use the NHS 111 online service

❓ When Should You Call NHS 111?

You should use NHS 111 if:

✅ You need medical help fast, but it’s not an emergency

• You’re unsure what to do about symptoms
• Your GP surgery is closed
• You can’t get a GP appointment

✅ You are worried about:

• Your baby or child’s health
• Pregnancy or post‑birth symptoms
• A condition that feels worse or unusual

✅ You need reassurance or advice

• Something doesn’t feel right
• You are unsure whether to go to A&E

👉 It’s always okay to call if you feel unsure

🚨 When NOT to Call 111

👉 Call 999 or go to A&E if there is a life‑threatening emergency, such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe bleeding

👉 NHS 111 is for urgent, but not emergency situations

👶 For Parents & Families

NHS 111 is especially helpful if you are:

• Worried about your baby or child
• Unsure about symptoms during pregnancy
• Concerned after birth

👉 If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to ask

💛 A Reassuring Message

Many parents worry about:

• “Wasting someone’s time”
• Whether their concern is serious enough

👉 You will never be judged for calling 111

It is always better to check

🧠 Why Using 111 Matters

Calling 111 can:

• Help you get support sooner
• Avoid unnecessary trips to A&E
• Provide reassurance during stressful moments
• Direct you to the right local services

❤️ How Basch Helps Can Support You

We understand that health concerns can feel overwhelming — especially for new parents.

We can:

• Offer emotional support
• Help you understand your options
• Signpost you to NHS services
• Support you alongside your healthcare journey

👉 You don’t have to navigate this alone