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Make a healthy choice – at your local library
People throughout the city can take control of their health care thanks to a partnership between NHS Hull and Hull City Council’s libraries
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Sally-Anne Hoggard (right) at the launch of the NHS Choices service in Hull |
Imagine you are at your local health centre and your doctor tells you that you need to see a consultant to allow further investigation into your health problem.
You could either ask your GP to book you an appointment there and then while you are at the surgery, or you could opt to go away and make an appointment yourself at a later date.
If you decide to go for the second option, your doctor would give you a unique booking reference number to enable you to book your appointment either by telephone or by logging on to the NHS Choices website – something which you can now do with the help of your local library.
Improved service
Patients in England can choose to be treated at almost any hospital in the country, regardless of location.
This includes NHS-funded treatment at some private hospitals as well as those run by the NHS.
Deciding where to go for treatment is now easier than ever, thanks to the NHS Choices website.
Library staff in Hull are being trained to help patients use the website, which contains detailed information on every hospital in the country.
You can compare waiting times and cleanliness rates; read about other patients’ experiences of the treatment they received at a particular hospital; and even find information on public transport routes to the hospital.
“Patients have had a choice of where they receive treatment for some time now, but recent surveys have shown that many people in Hull are not aware of this,” says Sally-Anne Hoggard, the Choice Manager for NHS Hull.
“Not only can they be treated at one of our local hospitals, such as Hull Royal Infirmary or Castle Hill, but also at other hospitals across the country if they prefer.
“The NHS Choices website makes it easier for people to decide where they want to be treated, by providing information about every hospital on one website.
“We are aware that some people may not be confident about using the internet and this is where the library staff can help.
“As well as providing free internet access at every public library in Hull, trained library staff can guide members of the public to the NHS Choices website, help them find relevant information about hospitals they are interested in, and book an appointment for them if appropriate.
“We really want people in Hull to take advantage of their right to choose and if they are not offered a choice by their doctor they should ask for it.”
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Sally-Anne Hoggard helps a patient navigate the NHS Choices website |
Helping hand
So far, library staff at the Central Library in Albion Street and the libraries at Longhill Health Care Centre and Marfleet Primary Health Care Centre have been trained to use the system.
And staff at every public library in the city will soon be trained to help patients with NHS Choices.
“Some people may just need a hand to get started on the internet, and some may want assistance to find out how to choose a hospital and book an appointment – we can help,” says Christine Hill, senior librarian for Hull Libraries.
“If you want to know more about NHS Choices and how it can help you, just ask a member of staff when you come in.
We will be happy to guide you through the website to find the hospital that’s right for you.”
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For more information on NHS Choices visit www.nhs.uk or visit your local library.
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Working in partnership |
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NHS Hull tel. (01482) 344700 |
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