Sorted Access · the 8am queue killer
Don't waste your morning.
4 quick questions. Sorted tells you the fastest safe route to UK medical help today — whether that's a pharmacy in 10 minutes, an eConsult at home, the 8am GP call, NHS 111, walk-in centre, or A&E. We don't help you jump queues. We help you choose the right one.
Life-threatening symptoms NOW?
Call 999 — chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, severe bleeding, breathlessness, severe pain, suicidal thoughts, anaphylaxis. Don't fill in this form. Call.
Step 1 of 4
What's the problem?
Pick the closest match. Your symptoms guide the route — not all medical problems need a GP.
Step 2 of 4
How urgent?
Be honest. The right route depends on this. None of these are "wrong" answers — they all lead to safe options.
Step 3 of 4
Who's it for?
Some routes (Pharmacy First, paediatric A&E) depend on age. Vulnerable people may have priority access.
Step 4 of 4
Last quick check.
Optional — helps tailor the route. Skip if you'd rather just see the answer.
We use this to suggest the closest Urgent Treatment Centre / walk-in.
Your route today
UK medical routes — when to use which
A reference table you can come back to anytime. Saves the questions next time.
999 — Life-threatening
Chest pain, stroke signs, severe bleeding, breathlessness, anaphylaxis, suicidal crisis
Free, 24/7. Ambulance, police, fire.
NHS 111 — Urgent, not life-threatening
Severe pain, persistent vomiting, fever in baby under 3 months, mental health crisis (option 2)
24/7 free. Triages to A&E, GP, walk-in, or sends help. 111.nhs.uk for non-urgent.
GP same day (8am call)
Need to be seen today but not life-threatening — new symptoms worrying you, infection, getting worse
Practices must offer same-day appointments for urgent need. Ask for the duty doctor by name.
eConsult / NHS App / online
Routine issues, prescription requests, repeat prescriptions, admin queries
Usually 7am-6pm. No phone queue. GP/clinician responds within 48 hours by call or message.
Pharmacy First (NHS Pharmacy)
7 conditions: sore throat, sinusitis, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, UTI (women 16-64), earache (children 1-17)
Free, no appointment, no GP referral. Pharmacist assesses + can prescribe POM if needed.
Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) / walk-in
Minor injuries (sprains, suspected broken bones, cuts), urgent issues you can't get a GP for
Usually 8am-10pm. Free, no appointment. Find via 111 or nhs.uk/service-search.
A&E (Emergency Department)
Life-threatening or major. If unsure between A&E and 111, call 111 first.
24/7 free. Waits can be 4-12+ hours for non-urgent cases.
Self-care
Cold, mild cough, blocked nose, hangover, headache without warning signs
Rest, fluids, paracetamol/ibuprofen. nhs.uk has plain-English advice for most everyday issues.