FAQ

What is NHS inform?

NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service. NHS 24 leads the delivery and development of this service in partnership with NHSScotland and a range of voluntary sector stakeholders. This nationally coordinated approach to the provision of health and health service information is intended as a first point of contact for trusted quality assured health information for the public, patients and carers in Scotland.

Using and being involved in NHS inform

How do people access NHS inform?

People can access NHS inform in the following ways:

• a single shared health information online resource which brings together quality assured national and local information from across the NHS and other sectors. www.nhsinform.co.uk
• the national health information helpline 0800 22 44 88
• a coordinated, networked approach to the delivery of information via a range of services within local communities incorporating NHS Health Boards, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations
• NHSScotland’s Digital Television Service gives people access to online resources such as NHS inform through their Sky and Virgin Media digital television sets
• The Looking Local iPhone app gives access to NHS inform content on the go
• People can follow NHS inform on Facebook and Twitter

What is the range of information can be accessed through NHS inform?

NHS inform is continually updated with current information on all aspects of health, wellbeing and health services. This helps inform people's choices about their health from conditions and treatments, lifestyle decisions and support, through to the practical aspects of finding and using NHS and voluntary services in Scotland.
The pages on the NHS inform website are available in printer friendly format, so patients can either print it themselves, or health professionals can print and send information to patients without internet access.

How do patients know the information is current and up-to-date and can be trusted?

There is a robust quality assurance process in place for all content to be included in the service. This ensures it is reliable, accurate and up to date.

How are stakeholders and the public engaged and involved with NHS inform?

Engagement is taking place through a range of activity in the press and media and a range of marketing materials which have been developed to promote the service. All Health Boards and a wide range of voluntary sector organisations have received a briefing pack on the purpose and benefits of NHS inform. As NHS inform evolves, greater engagement through the face-to-face delivery of health information will raise the profile of this service at local community level.
Engagement activity is led by the Partnership Team, who can be contacted via the main NHS inform email address: nhs.inform@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk
Stakeholder organisations who wish to signpost their users to the NHS inform service can get more information and order leaflets through the Partnership team at the above email address.
There is also a function available on the NHS inform website which allows users to feed back any comments/suggestions. NHS inform feedback form

What about local health board information and websites?

The information on NHS inform provides a front door service to health and related information in Scotland. National coordination and agreement ensures that this first port of call for information provides choice by signposting to many other reputable information and service providers. There is still a need to provide local specific information at a local level; however this gives patients and professionals one starting point which can then be supplemented if necessary with local specific information.
The NHS In Your Area section of the NHS inform website links out to all Health Boards within Scotland, to provide easy to follow signposting to people looking for information specific to their area.

Background, context and funding

What is the national policy background for the provision of NHS inform?

As outlined in the Better Health, Better Care Action Plan, the Scottish Government undertook to establish a national health information and support service in order to provide a coordinated approach and a single source of information for the public in Scotland.

When was the service launched?

The service was launched on Tuesday 3 August 2010. The NHS inform online channel of delivery is an evolving service developing in the future with new content coming on board continuously.

Is it part of NHSScotland?

NHS inform is an NHSScotland Service developed in partnership with NHSScotland, voluntary sector and Local Authority partners.

What is the difference between NHS inform and NHS24.com?

NHS24.com will continue to provide medical advice and information for patients who have symptomatic illness. If people need help and advice about symptoms they are experiencing, nhs24.com provides access to a self help guide. For out of hours medical care patients should continue to contact NHS 24 for assistance.
NHS inform is a single gateway to the provision of quality assured health, wellbeing and health service information across a range of topics.

Where does NHS inform source information from?

The information for each area of the website is collated and agreed as part of a coordinated quality assured approach by relevant organisations. Information is drawn from NHS 24, NHS Choices and many other trusted resources. All information undergoes a quality assurance process before being made available through NHS inform. The team works with charities, local authorities and other organisations to ensure that relevant information can be included in the service. As the service develops it is hoped that GP practice websites will also signpost patients to the new service.

Are Quality Standards in place for the development of information across the range of providers?

NHS inform is working with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and Health Rights Information Scotland in order to take forward the development of standards which will provide a consistent approach for all parties involved in the development of information for the public.

How is NHS inform being funded? Is it value for money?

The programme of work is being funded through SGHD. It draws together all avenues of health information for the intention of providing comprehensive health information to the public via a single access route. It provides value for money as it reduces the amount of duplication across national and local health organisations.