AS darker days and colder months are now upon us, health and wellbeing services are highlighting the availability of a free NHS assessment service.

NHS 111 is a non-emergency service that you can use if you are unsure of which healthcare service you need to visit in North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The NHS 111 service can direct you to the most appropriate care for your condition, which could be your GP, pharmacy or walk-in centre.

It could also be the emergency department at a hospital or an emergency ambulance, depending on what is required.

This service is available 24 hours a day by dialling 111 or by going to 111.nhs.uk.

Health advisors ask for symptoms and other medical details.

If you do not need to be seen by a healthcare professional, advice about how to look after yourself at home will be given by one of NHS 111’s clinically trained advisors.

If you are in need of emergency care, your call will be transferred to the ambulance operations centre where an ambulance will be sent to you, if required, in accordance with the severity of the condition.