Frequently Asked Enquiries
The NHS 111 Wales Online Enquiry Service is a popular way of receiving tailored responses to health related enquiries, direct to your PC. The Online Enquiry Service receives enquiries on a wide variety of subjects and, listed below is a selection of some of the most frequently asked topics.
To receive a personalised response to your health related questions, you may wish to submit an online enquiry by clicking here.
If you or someone else is feeling ill, or you are concerned about your/their symptoms, please go to our NHS 111 Wales online symptom checkers. You can also seek medical advice from your local pharmacist. If it’s an urgent health concern, call 111.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can contact us via Relay UK or Interpreter Now (if available in your area).
Back Pain
Over two thirds of the population suffers from back pain at some time in their lives. The following links will direct you to websites which provide information on the causes and treatment for back pain.
Patient UK General information on the causes of back pain and the treatments which are available.
Backcare Fact-sheets on a number of back related issues and conditions such as sciatica and whiplash.
NHS 111 Wales General information on back pain.
Contraception
For information on the different methods of contraception which are available, and the answer to questions such as What should you do if you have missed your contraceptive pill? What makes condoms less effective? or How does an IUD work? please select the following links.
NHS 111 Wales General information on methods of contraception.
fpa - Family Planning Guide to contraception.
Cosmetic Surgery
The Online Enquiry Service receives enquiries regarding a number of cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks. The following links will direct you to websites which provide information on cosmetic surgery.
Department of Health Advice for those considering cosmetic surgery.
NHS 111 Wales Fact sheet on plastic surgery.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons This website provides detailed information on individual cosmetic procedures, including the limitations of procedures and what to expect afterwards, during recovery.
Fertility
The Online Enquiry Service provides information on a number of fertility issues, such as when a person should start investigations for potential fertility problems, which fertility procedures are available and whether fertility treatment is available on the NHS. The following links will direct you to websites which help to answer such questions.
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Guide to fertility treatments and funding.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guidance on assessment and treatment for those with fertility problems.
NHS 111 Wales General information on fertility and treatments.
Health Costs
NHS care is generally free for all UK residents but there are charges for certain services and items such as dental treatment, sight-tests and glasses. However, some people can get these things for free or at a reduced cost.
If you are unsure whether you may be entitled to help with health costs, the following links will direct you to websites which provide information on the benefits which are available.
Welsh Government This link will take you to the booklet HC11W NHS Charges and the Low Income Scheme? The booklet will help you decide whether you can get help with NHS health costs in Wales. It contains comprehensive information covering the type of help available, eligibility criteria and how to go about applying for help.
Department for Work and Pensions General information on the services and benefits which may be available.
Gov UK General information on tax and benefits.
HM Revenue and Customs Information on tax credits
Heart Conditions
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a heart condition, you may have a number of questions about the treatment, for example whether the person can drive and what the recovery time will be. The following link provides information on a selection of heart conditions.
British Heart Foundation Information on a range of heart conditions. The patient support section has details of the British Heart Foundation Heart Infoline.
British Heart Foundation Watch Your Own Heart Attack a two-minute film which aims to raise awareness of heart attack symptoms.
Nursing Home Fees
If you would like information on paying for care home fees or you need to know who you should contact to find out more about local care home facilities, please click on the following links.
Age UK
Each Local Authority will have information on how to arrange an assessment of an individual’s care needs and details of the local social care services which are available for elderly people.
Welsh Government Contact details for all Local Authorities across Wales.
NHS 111 Wales Information on the role of Social Services, with a search facility for local Social Services departments.
Travel Vaccinations
If you intend to go abroad on holiday, you should check whether any vaccinations are needed for the country which you are travelling to. The following websites provide information on which travel vaccinations are required, advice on areas where malaria is present and other useful information such as travelling with children, avoiding insect bites and advice for business travellers.
Fit for Travel Website provided by NHS Scotland, with a range of information for people from the UK, traveling abroad. Features a searchable world map and A-Z of countries, giving appropriate vaccine advice and anti-malarial advice where appropriate. There is also information on holiday vaccinations, sun exposure and travelling whilst pregnant.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice for those travelling abroad, covering topics such as local laws and customs, health and road safety.
Minor Childhood illnesses/ailments
There are a number of pages within our Health A-Z which provides information on many of the minor childhood illnesses/ailments which children are often subjected to. The following links will direct you to websites which will provide you with information you may find helpful if a child you know is suffering from one of the following illnesses.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is often a mild but highly infectious condition. It causes an itchy rash that blisters and then crusts over.
Netdoctor Information on Chickenpox
Patient UK Information on Chickenpox titled 'Chickenpox in Children under 12'
Temperature/Fever
A fever is a high temperature. As a general rule, in children, a temperature of over 37.5°C is a fever.
NHS 111 Wales Information on Fever in Children
Patient UK Information on Fever (High Temperature) in Children
Netdoctor Information on Fever in Children
Head Lice
Head Lice cannot fly, jump or swim. They are spread by head-to-head contact and climb from the hair of an infected person to the hair of someone else.
British Association of Dermatologists Information leaflet which provides information and advice on Head Lice
Patient UK This link provides information on Head Lice and Nits
Stroke
A Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. If you suspect that you, or someone else is having a Stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance. The links below will provide you with information regarding a Stroke.
The Stroke Association This is a link to the Stroke Association. They have a helpline number which is 0303 3033 100
Blood Pressure UK This link provides information on Stroke and high blood pressure
Health in Wales Information on what signs to look out for if you think someone may be having a Stroke
NHS 111 Wales Information on a Stroke
Pregnancy
If you suspect that you are pregnant or have taken a home pregnancy test that confirms you are pregnant, arrange to see a GP or a midwife straight away. There are a number of links below which provides information and support for pregnant women and their families.
Family Planning Association Information on planning a pregnancy
Welsh Government This link provides information on pregnancy and early years
NHS 111 Wales Information on pregnancy
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy that happens sometime during the first 23 weeks. Around three quarters of miscarriages happen during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The links below provide information on miscarriage and there are contact details of a helpline which you may want to use for support if needed.
Miscarriage Association This website provides information and support. They have a helpline which is open Monday to Friday, 9am until 4pm on 01924 200799
Babyloss Provides information and support online for anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or shortly afterwards
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Information titled 'Early miscarriage: Information for you'