A new NHS messaging service was launched to offer support to people who are staying at home who have Coronavirus symptoms.
The NHS will send daily texts to people who have registered their symptoms and contact details with the NHS 111 online service.
The messages will offer advice and check how people are on a daily basis. The messages will ensure that people who need help and support during the isolation period receive assistance.
The people who contact NHS online 111 and complete the assessment and leave basic information like their mobile number, age and when their symptoms first started, will be sent daily test messages as reassurance.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are doing everything we can to protect the health of the nation during this outbreak, including supporting our fantastic NHS and social care workforce who are looking after people who have symptoms or are self-isolating.
“I know all too well that experiencing symptoms can be worrying, but for those living on their own it will be even more so. Alongside other measures, this new daily text service will reassure our most vulnerable that they are not alone, and also to help them manage their symptoms.
“Technology, combined with our heroic staff on the frontline, have played a huge role in battling this virus and I encourage everyone to use this new service.”
Professor Jonathan Benger, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Digital, said: “Across the country, people are playing their part in the battle to save lives and stop the spread of coronavirus by doing the right thing and staying home if they have got symptoms.
“However we know that for many this will be difficult. This new service will help people to get the encouragement, advice and support that they need.”
Dr Simon Eccles, Deputy Chief Executive, NHSX said: “This new service is vitally important to help the NHS to understand the impact of the virus on patients and its progression and spread across the country.”
If people decide that they don’t want to receive the text messages anymore, they can opt out at any time.
People should visit the NHS.UK/coronavirus page for the most accurate and up to date information and advice about the Coronavirus.
The NHSX commissioned the NHS Covid-19 text messaging service and was built by the NHS Business Services Authority and NHS Digital.
Article source: https://digital.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/nhs-support-via-text-message-for-people-with-symptoms-of-covid-19
