Youngsters to get health help on their phones

We all have our fair share of embarrassing illnesses and health-related questions '“ but a new service will allow youngsters to speak to their school nurse by text message instead of face-to-face.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Mar 2016, 11:47 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2016, 07:50 BST
A new service will allow youngsters to speak to their school nurse by text message instead of face-to-faceA new service will allow youngsters to speak to their school nurse by text message instead of face-to-face
A new service will allow youngsters to speak to their school nurse by text message instead of face-to-face

The new service, launched by Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, can also be used out-of-hours.

Service integration manager Lorraine Chadwick said: “It’s a contemporary solution that is resulting in more and more young people contacting school nurses with their concerns.”

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The ChatHealth service, which the trust said has been widely tested, particularly led to an increase of teenage boys speaking to their nurse more during its pilot, it said.

A free smartphone app is now in the pipeline, although the trust said students who would rather see nurses face-to-face will be able to do so.

Lorraine added: “The School Nurse Messaging Service is a tried-and-tested initiative that has been positively welcomed in other parts of the country.

“Implementing the system is hassle-free and it’s convenient for students to have access to healthcare with many using the service outside school hours.”

The number for ChatHealth is 07480 635050. The service is free, and replies are sent within a day.

Related topics:Youngsters