App links to NHS Choices at the touch of a button
NHS and CSC collaborate to improve access to health advice and services
A health app has been launched to provide access to a wealth of medical information for residents across the UK.
Developed by the NHS and supplier, CSC, Pocket Health takes information from the NHS Choices website, which has more than nine millions visitors a month, enabling anyone with an iPhone, iTouch or iPad to instantly access reliable healthcare information while on the move.
Information can be found either by touching the right area on a screen image of the human body, or by using an A-Z list of conditions and body parts. A service locator identifies where the user is and tells them where to find the nearest doctor, pharmacy, optician, walk-in centre, hospital or dentist – complete with contact details and directions.
Sheri Thureen, president of UK healthcare at CSC, said: “When you are on the move and need medical information quickly, this app does the job well, putting healthcare in the hands of the patient. Pocket Health not only allows you to find information, such as that provided through NHS Choices, but can provide essential locator and navigation services.
“If you are in an unfamiliar area, perhaps because you’ve changed jobs or are attending a university, it’s great to have the security of knowing that you can get instant access to the NHS support, advice and services you need.”
Pocket Health has been designed to encourage better use of services, for example by discouraging inappropriate 999 calls and providing a one-touch NHS Direct number. If there is a genuine crisis, the app automatically dials the emergency services number for whatever country the user is in, 911, for example, if visiting the USA. It also lets users set up an In Case of Emergency record to provide clinicians with critical care information such as blood type, existing conditions, allergies and next of kin.
Lee Appleyard, head of digital media and partnerships at NHS Choices, said: “As the UK’s biggest healthcare website, NHS Choices is committed to providing users with the ability to connect to a wealth of information wherever they are.
“This service is vital for us to continue delivering on our promise of providing patients with the ability to make informed choices. Pocket Health delivers content from NHS Choices in an innovative, intuitive and easy-to-use format.
“Mobile technology is very important for the delivery of modern healthcare. This app is a great example of patient empowerment, helping put them in control of their own healthcare.”
Click here to download the app