An increasing number of GPs are encouraging their patients to contact them via the NHS App or the MFT App. Manchester Libraries have developed the Digital Health Hub initiative to help residents who’ll struggle to do this, as part of the Lets Get Digital programme.
Many residents who are digitally excluded struggle with access and may lack the confidence to use digital tools to enhance their health.
We have worked with community organisations and GPs to develop this support. Staff and volunteers have been trained on the Apps and given a ‘how-to-guide’ to use with their customers. The leaflet detailing local support is held in GPs surgeries so they can guide patients to Digital Health Hubs that provide support. Support such as:
- Public Internet and Wi-Fi Access
- Free SIMs with internet access
- 1-to-1 and group digital support
- NHS and MY MFT App support (including how to set it up)
- Device Lending and Provision schemes
The leaflets show the libraries and community organisations where support is available. It features the addresses of each location, contact information as well as a table displaying what support is available where. It was piloted in the Wythenshawe, Northenden and Brooklands wards and has now been extended to Cheetham Hill, Crumpsall and Harpurhey.
The next wards to be rolled out are Miles Platting and Newton Heath, and Clayton and Openshaw. These maps are displayed and available at GP surgeries in these areas.
The libraries that are Digital Health Hubs currently are:
- Wythenshawe Forum Library
- Brooklands Library
- Abraham Moss Library
- North City Library
With more to follow over the next few months.