If you’re living in London or planning to visit, knowing how the emergency system works can give you a lot of peace of mind. London is a busy city, and although the healthcare network is strong, getting the right help at the right moment makes all the difference. This guide breaks everything down clearly — from which number to call, to which hospitals are the most reliable, and what you should expect during an emergency.
Essential Emergency Numbers in London
999 – Life-Threatening Emergencies
This is the number you call when someone’s life is in immediate danger. It covers:
Heart attacks or chest pain
Serious accidents or heavy bleeding
Someone unconscious
Severe breathing difficulties
Strokes, burns, electric shocks, or drowning
- The call handler will talk you through what to do until help arrives. They may send an ambulance, paramedics on bikes, or advanced critical care vehicles depending on the situation.
112 – International Emergency Number
- If you’re visiting from outside the UK, you may already be familiar with 112. It works the same way as 999 and connects you to UK emergency services instantly.
111 – Urgent Medical Advice (Not Life-Threatening)
This number is ideal for:
High fever, infections, or worsening symptoms
When you’re unsure whether it’s serious or not
Night-time medical concerns when GP clinics are closed
Medication questions or out-of-hours advice
- The team on 111 can book urgent GP appointments, direct you to the nearest urgent-care centre, or advise whether you should go to A&E.
101 – Non-Emergency Police
- Use this when you need the police but not urgently — for example, minor theft, lost items, property disputes, or reporting suspicious behaviour.
How Emergency Calls Work in London
When you call 999 or 112, the operator will ask simple but important questions:
Where are you right now? (postcode, street name, landmark, or nearest station)
What happened and when?
Is the person conscious and breathing?
Are they bleeding, in pain, or showing allergic reactions?
- Try to stay calm — the operators are trained to guide you step by step. In most cases, they dispatch help even while you’re still on the call.
Best Hospitals in London (2025)
Here are the hospitals Londoners trust most. These are well-known for emergency care, specialist departments, and overall service quality. I’ve included their official websites so your readers can easily check departments, directions, and visiting hours.
1. Royal London Hospital (Whitechapel)
One of the busiest trauma centres in Europe, especially known for major emergencies and advanced trauma care.
Location: Whitechapel Road, E1
Phone: 020 7377 7000
Website: bartshealth.nhs.uk
Good for: major accidents, trauma, surgical emergencies.
2. University College Hospital (Euston)
Modern facilities, strong emergency department, and very efficient diagnostics. Popular among central London residents.
Location: Euston Road, NW1
Phone: 020 3456 7890
Website: uclh.nhs.uk
Good for: general emergencies, internal medicine, neurological issues, urgent diagnostics.
3. St Thomas’ Hospital (Westminster)
Right opposite the Houses of Parliament and known for its excellent emergency care and cardiac services.
Location: Westminster Bridge Road, SE1
Phone: 020 7188 7188
Website: guysandstthomas.nhs.uk
Good for: cardiac emergencies, children’s care, A&E services.
4. Guy’s Hospital (London Bridge)
Well-known for cancer treatment, dental hospital, and general emergency care.
Location: Great Maze Pond, SE1
Phone: 020 7188 7188
Website: guysandstthomas.nhs.uk
Good for: oncology, surgery, general emergencies.
5. King’s College Hospital (Camberwell)
A large teaching hospital with one of the busiest A&Es in south London. Known for stroke and liver services.
Location: Denmark Hill, SE5
Phone: 020 3299 9000
Website: kch.nhs.uk
Good for: stroke care, liver problems, neurological emergencies.
6. Chelsea & Westminster Hospital
A reliable hospital offering A&E, maternity services, and advanced specialist care.
Location: Fulham Road, SW10
Phone: 020 3315 8000
Website: chelwest.nhs.uk
Good for: children’s A&E, maternity, burns unit.
7. Homerton University Hospital
Often praised for good patient experience and relatively quicker A&E times compared to some central hospitals.
Location: Homerton Row, E9
Phone: 020 8510 5555
Website: homerton.nhs.uk
Good for: emergency care, maternity, community care.
8. Moorfields Eye Hospital (Specialist)
The UK’s top eye hospital — good for sudden vision loss, eye injuries, or urgent eye conditions.
Location: City Road, EC1
Phone: 020 7253 3411
Website: moorfields.nhs.uk
Good for: eye emergencies only.
Tips When Visiting a London Emergency Department
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People often waste time or choose the wrong place due to panic. Here’s what your readers need to know:
1. A&E Is for Serious or Life-Threatening Conditions
Not for:
Mild fevers
Small cuts
Cold/flu symptoms
Minor infections
- For these, 111 or a walk-in centre is better.
2. Bring Essential Information
If possible, have:
Your NHS number (if you have one)
A list of medications
Any known allergies
Passport or ID (if you’re a visitor)
3. Expect Waiting Times
- London hospitals are busy. Serious cases are treated first, so waiting might be longer for minor issues.
4. If You Have Insurance, Bring Proof
- Private care is available in London, but NHS A&E is free for everyone in emergencies — even tourists.
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Other Useful Contacts in London
Mental Health Crisis
NHS 111 (option 2)
Samaritans: 116 123
NHS Crisis Lines (depending on borough)
Poisoning or Chemical Exposure
Call 999 if serious
Otherwise, seek advice through 111
Dentist Emergency
NHS 111 can book urgent dental appointments
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are stressful, but London’s network of hospitals, paramedics, and support services is one of the most organised in the world. Keeping these numbers and hospital details saved can make a critical difference — especially if you’re new to the city or travelling with family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What number should I call for an ambulance in London?
You should call 999 if someone’s life is in immediate danger. This is the main emergency number in the UK and connects you directly to ambulance, fire, or police services. If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, calling 111 first is usually the safest option.
2. Is NHS emergency treatment free for tourists in London?
Yes. NHS A&E (Accident & Emergency) departments provide free emergency treatment to everyone, including tourists and temporary visitors. However, non-emergency treatment, hospital stays, or follow-up care may be chargeable for non-UK residents.
3. Which hospital in London is best for emergencies?
Several hospitals are known for strong emergency care, including St Thomas’ Hospital, Royal London Hospital, University College Hospital, and King’s College Hospital. The “best” option usually depends on where you are located and the type of emergency.
4. When should I go to A&E instead of calling 111?
Go straight to A&E if you experience:
Severe chest pain
Serious injury or heavy bleeding
Sudden difficulty breathing
Stroke symptoms
Severe allergic reactions
Unconsciousness or seizures
For symptoms like fever, minor infections, coughs, or mild pain, 111 is usually more appropriate.
5. Can I get help if I don’t know my exact location during an emergency?
Yes. If you call 999, the operator can often narrow down your location using mobile signals. Still, try to provide landmarks, street names, nearby shops, or tube stations. A free app called “What3Words” is also commonly used in the UK to pinpoint exact coordinates during emergencies.
