NEWS
LIBRARIES SUPPORTING MORE PEOPLE TO USE NHS APP
The NHS has announced a new partnership with libraries across England to help more people access online health services and use the NHS App .
The scheme , in partnership with The National Health Literacy Partnership , will officially launch in October – with NHS England contacting public libraries and NHS libraries in the coming weeks to provide toolkits and information . our communities and offer a significant opportunity to reach those who face barriers when it comes to accessing their health information online .
“ The NHS App has more than 34 million registered users and we want to ensure no-one is excluded from using this service .
“ My first profession was a librarian , and it was amazing training for the role I do today . Librarians have always been at the forefront of providing services to communities and getting information to people at the right time .”
Libraries already play a vital role in making online services more accessible and according to a recent survey by Ipsos , librarians are the third most trusted profession in Britain .
By providing librarians with the right tools and support , they will be able to play a key part in helping people to use the NHS App and NHS . UK to better understand and manage their health .
John Quinn , Chief Information Officer at NHS England , and a former librarian said : “ Public libraries are at the heart of
NHS 111 OFFERING CRISIS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR THE FIRST TIME
Millions of patients experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit from support through 111 , the NHS has announced . The change means the NHS in England is one of the first countries in the world to offer access to a 24 / 7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line .
People of all ages , including children , who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can now call 111 , select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional .
NHS staff can guide callers with next steps such organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services , such as crisis cafés or safe havens which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to A & E or a hospital admission .
Previously , local health systems had their own separate phone lines , which were fast-tracked during the pandemic and took around 200,000 calls per month .
For people who need support at A & E , if there is a risk to life , every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care .
NHS Talking Therapy Services are also available for people who need help with other mental conditions such as anxiety , depression , obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD and anyone can refer themselves online via NHS . uk or by contacting their GP .
The NHS continues to advise people to call 999 if there is a serious risk to life .
www . intelligenthealth . tech 9