Pan Scottish service to give equality in terms of access

NHS 24 has partnered with Looking Local to deliver a wide range of information and services on TV, mobile phones, smartphones and games consoles. The service was officially launched on the 27th of September 2011 by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy, Nicola Sturgeon MSP.

OFCOM reports that Scotland has the lowest broadband penetration in the UK at only 61%, being particularly low amongst low income homes and older people and this new service is specifically targeted at homes without web access. NHS 24 hopes that by using the range of channels and popular devices Looking Local supports 24/7 access will be extended to people who often need health services the most and organisational benefits will be realised.

Patients can access services from NHS 24, NHS Inform, Care Information Scotland and Scottish Backs as well as undertake health questionnaires. The service offers real time GP appointment booking, access to local health services (dentists, doctors, opticians, pharmacies), information from the Health A-Z, seasonal health advice, news, health and wellbeing guides, as well as links to local support organisations.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"We want to ensure that more people in Scotland can access health information and advice where and when they need it, particularly those who need it most. Many Scots, including those living in our more deprived communities and older people, do not have access to the internet at home. Now they can access this information, quickly and easily through their televisions."

"The NHS doesn't stand still. This is a fantastic example of how we are constantly updating the way that patients interact with the NHS to make sure that we deliver a top quality service."

To capitalise on the growing number of smartphone users and people who chose to own a mobile or smartphone instead of getting a home PC and internet connection, NHS 24 is able to deliver services specifically designed for use on these devices and 'on the go'. Looking Local delivers the NHS 24 services as downloadable apps for all operating systems, as well as a mobile website designed to be used effectively on all mobile internet devices, including tablets.

Looking Local is able to help NHS 24 engage with a range of channels and popular devices and has proven track record in reducing transaction costs, diverting contacts from more expensive channels and helping public sector organisations keep up with technical trends without duplication, technical expertise or the funds required to otherwise do this alone.

In fact in more rural areas, where delivery of health services is that much more costly and complicated, Sky subscriptions are higher than the national average at 52%, which gives NHS 24 the opportunity to deliver information, health services and in the future care (Looking Local is the leader in research and development of telecare services via TV in the UK), with the aim to reduce costs and improve patient access.

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