Stan,I i was told about 5 years ago by a paramedic, , if you need help dial 999. They will help you and decide if you need hospital treatment. My husband needed help after being discharged from hospital, he was in agony and rang 111 for a doctor at11.00pm. The doctor who was German as it was a weekend, arrived at 5.30am, the next morning, having worked all night, poor man he certainly earned his salary, he had a nurse with him, who sorted my husband out quickly, but it was a long and very painful wait.