LICHFIELD Library will be offering a helping hand on how to us the NHS app.
The city centre site is one of eight libraries across Staffordshire taking part in the initiative, which is being launched as part of Health Information Week which starts on Monday (20th January).
Trained staff will be on hand to help and people can book an appointment for a face-to-face session to find out how to download and access the NHS app which provides access to information such as their GP health record or nominating their preferred pharmacy.
Cllr Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s libraries chief, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to be part of this new national effort to help improve use of the NHS app.
“For most people, getting up and running on the app is fairly straightforward, but for some it can be tricky – or if people don’t have access to the internet or a mobile phone it can be impossible.
“That’s where our staff can step in and help people to sign up and better navigate features of the NHS app, such as ordering online prescriptions or booking an appointment at the GP for themselves or a family member.
“Our libraries continue to play an important role as community hubs and in signposting people to trusted health information and local services.”
Dr Asif Ahmed, from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent NHS Integrated Care Board, said:
“The NHS is determined to ensure that everyone has easy access to the latest health advice, including those who may not own a device or have internet access, as they may not be able to access the best NHS services for them, when they need healthcare.
“That’s why healthcare staff will now be available in 1,400 public libraries across the country to show people how to use the NHS app or seek out health information online, in a free and safe environment close to their home.
“More than 35 million people in England are already using the NHS app to view their GP records, test results and prescriptions so they can better manage their health, and the NHS hopes that many more will benefit from this new initiative.”