Listen
NHS advice service
03/08/2010
A new one-stop health advice service for the public has been launched.
NHS inform is a three-tiered service, featuring a phone line, website and face-to-face advice. It will bring trusted health information from all sections of the NHS together for the first time.
The NHS inform service will include:
- General information on medical conditions
- Answers to commonly asked health questions
- Health Zones providing advice on health rights, back pain and alcohol
- A calendar of health events
- NHS information in local areas, including links to all NHS boards websites
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Through NHS inform the public will have a single place to turn to for all of their health information needs for the very first time.
"It will allow people to access trusted information where they need it, when they need it and how they need it.
"Having access to quality health information will give people the power to help improve their health and allow them to be partners in their own healthcare. This is part of our vision of a mutual NHS.
"In this tight economic climate, NHS inform will also provide greater value to money as it will reduce the amount of duplication across national and local health organisations and ensure that patients can access the right part of the service on the first occasion."
Speaking ahead of the NHS 24 annual review, Ms Sturgeon said:
"It is right that those who manage our NHS boards are held to account. I hope as many people as possible can come along to the open sessions at the NHS 24 annual review to listen, ask questions and help shape the future of our NHS.
"Our NHS should always strive to provide the best possible care so the focus of this years review on the work that is being done to deliver on the Quality Strategy is particularly welcome.
"The Quality Strategy will put people at the heart of everything the NHS does and the annual reviews will showcase innovative practice which is improving patient and staff experience as well as improving efficiency and productivity."
As with previous years, the annual review will include an opportunity for members of the public attending the review to ask questions.
NHS 24's Chairman Allan Watson said:
"We are looking forward to welcoming the Cabinet Secretary and her team. NHS 24 made sound progress in 2009/10 and the annual review provides an important opportunity to review performance and to identify key areas for further work and development."
NHS inform is being delivered by NHS 24 on behalf of NHSScotland. The three strands of the service are:
- A single shared health information online resource which will bring together quality assured national and local health information from across the NHS and other sectors. The website will be available from today (August 3) at www.nhsinform.co.uk
- A national health information helpline on 0800 22 44 88
- Face-to-face information delivered via a range of services within local communities incorporating NHS boards, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations. This strand will be developed post-launch.
It has cost £550,000 to establish the service.