The Health Help Now app and website has been launched in Sutton.
Health Help Now is a ground-breaking web app that helps people find the right local health services to meet their health needs, especially when they need medical help fast but it is not a life-threatening emergency. It is available both in app form on Android and Apple, and online (http://www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net/).
It is estimated between 15 and 25 per cent of people attending A&E could use another service instead, which would save the NHS nationally time and millions of pounds every year. Instead, we know they go to A&E, often because they do not know what else to do.
The app and website have been both designed to help people check their symptoms and find the best place for treatment – showing which services near them are open. It will help people to know when to go to A&E, and when not to. The information has been developed with the input of clinicians and includes advice about how people can treat themselves at home for minor illnesses and injuries. After clicking on an age group, symptoms and location, people are given options for treatment with the most suitable listed first.
I encourage you to download the app and give it a go. The Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will be launching it during their popular Patient Education Events over the next couple of months and will continue to publicise it through GP surgeries, pharmacies, as well as online.