
This system has already been successfully trialled and implemented at several NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across the UK.
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has introduced ChatHealth 0-5 years a quick and easy way for families in to get in touch with its Health Visiting service.
From 24 March, parents and carers of children aged 0-5 in Buckinghamshire will be able to send a text message, anonymously if they wish, to the Trust Health Visiting team to get confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including caring for their baby and their child’s development right through to getting ready to start school.
The messaging service will be available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 9am to 4pm. When a message is sent to the dedicated number 07312 277363, an automated reply confirms the message has been received. A trained healthcare professional will reply to the message during office hours (9am-4pm) and will aim to respond within 24 working hours.
Please note: this is not an emergency service, for urgent help please contact NHS 111, or if it’s an emergency, dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
The Buckinghamshire ChatHealth 0-5 years messaging service will be run by the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Health Visiting team and powered by the award-winning messaging platform, ChatHealth.
This system has already been successfully trialled and implemented at several NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across the UK. It was developed to offer more choice in how people can get help from local trained health staff in their area. The Trust has already implemented ChatHealth to support young people aged 11-19 in Buckinghamshire who are able to send a confidential text message to the Trust School Nursing team.
Jenny Chapman, Service Lead for Health Visiting, said: “We hope parents and carers in Bucks find this new way of contacting our health professionals via the ChatHealth 0-5 years messaging system a more convenient way to ask quick questions. As Health Visitors we hope to be able to provide swifter support to more families as and when they need some help and reassurance.”