"My call was answered by a beautifully polite lady"

When I called the 111 service my call was answered by a beautifully polite lady. She asked me why I was calling and I explained this to her. She asked me a number of questions and then said she would put me through to her supervisor. This person also asked me a number of questions and then said she would send an ambulance for me.

I said I lived very close to the hospital and would be able to get there by myself, I didn’t need an ambulance. She was very concerned and made sure I had my mobile phone with me and to call 111 again if I experienced any difficulty on my way to the hospital.

At the Mayday Hospital in Croydon I went to the Accident and Emergency where I had to wait my turn. I was seen by a nurse and then a little while later I was also seen by a doctor. They gave me some tablets and sent me home but would also need to have an x-ray; they would send me a letter.

They did write to me and I had my x-ray on Tuesday, I’m still waiting for the results.

The 111 service is better than the 999 service as they ask you how you are; you don’t have to call out an ambulance when you don’t need it.