ANNEX 6
NHS 24 - HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICE
NHS 24 delivers two core services to the public of Scotland; nurse consultation and health information.
Through the 08452 24 24 24 number members of the public can access the health information team 8am - 10pm, 7 days a week and obtain information on health services and a wide range of health matters including:
- the NHS and its services
- patients' rights
- information on particular illnesses and health conditions
- general health topics
- local and national support and self-help groups
- medical information resulting from national and regional health alerts
- emergency planning
The NHS 24 Health information team also delivers, on behalf of external stakeholders, several key, separately branded, telephone helpline services:
NHS Helpline (Scotland) 0800 22 44 88 - operational since 1992 and taken over by NHS 24 in 2003 the Scottish public can make direct freephone contact with a Health Information Advisor to obtain information on Scottish health and social care services and health matters.
Healthy Living Adviceline 0845 2 78 88 78 - set up by the Scottish Executive as part of the Healthy Living campaign for health education and improvement, this line provides advice and information on healthy eating and physical activity. There is also an Ask the Expert, email enquiry service.
Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87 - this adviceline is staffed by trained special advisors and provides a free, confidential phone line service for people who are experiencing low mood or depression, and for those who are unusually worried or need someone to talk to, including family members, partners and friends.
It is an initiative developed by the Scottish Executive Health Department as part of the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being.
Special Helplines - 0800 dedicated special alert helplines run on behalf of Public Health services in Scotland these helplines are used to help in the management of outbreaks and adverse incidents.
Further development of the Health Information Service including recruitment of additional Health Information Advisors. This has been undertaken to increase the capacity to support, for example, enquiries such as emergency contraceptive advice. The potential to further develop the Health Information Advisor role for other health issues is also being explored.