AFF Health & Additional Needs Specialist, Karen Ross, explores some of the digital access available for healthcare provision and information…
As a society we are moving increasingly towards accessing support and information digitally and this includes our healthcare. This digital access can be really beneficial for mobile army families and can be a good way to store and transfer information.
NHS APP
England
The NHS App can allow you to book appointments (although some GP practices don’t offer this function), order repeat prescriptions and choose a pharmacy to collect them from, and access your GP health record, so you can see information about your allergies and medication. Some GP practices allow access to more detailed information like your test results and investigations too. You can also find your NHS number, register for organ donation and use NHS 111 to get local advice and medical help. To use the app you must be over 13 and registered with a GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man. Teenagers aged 13-15 will need to contact their GP practice first to get login information and verify their identity. Parents or guardians can request to have their children’s records linked to their account if they are under 13. You may also be able to get proxy access to an elderly family member’s health record, if you are both registered at the same GP practice.
Scotland
If you live in Scotland you can download the NHS 24 Online app which can help you find your nearest healthcare services and assess your symptoms.
Wales
If you live in Wales you can access the NHS Wales App but you must be with a GP practice in Wales that has connectivity to the app and aged 16 or over. The app will give you access to organ and blood donation and NHS 111 health advice.
Defence Primary Healthcare
If you are registered at a Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) medical practice you currently cannot access the NHS App. However, there are other ways you can access your health records such as through eConsult to book appointments. More information can be found by accessing MyHealth Hub via Defence Connect.
ADHD and autism assessment
AFF has received several enquiries about accessing assessments for ADHD and autism diagnoses for both children and adults. The NHS Choice Framework has allowed patients a better choice on how they access and receive their healthcare. Therefore, under Right to Choose you can be referred by your GP to the most appropriate assessment provider for you or your family. For more information on Right to Choose visit: clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-services/right-to-choose
eREDBOOK
This is a digital initiative which sees the Personal Child Health Record (PCHR) transferred to a more secure and easily accessible online format. It provides a secure, easily accessible portal for information to be shared with families and health professionals and relevant content from the NHS and the community health team.
The eRedbook is available in overseas locations with a BF1 postcode and includes developmental milestones, immunisations, dental and health records, growth and measurements, screenings and reviews and emergency contacts for that location, including domestic abuse and safeguarding.
One of the SSAFA Health Visitors, who works across Europe and Turkey, said: “I use the eRedbook daily. Given that most of my appointments are virtual, the ability to access and update a child’s personal health record remotely is invaluable.
“Families frequently express their appreciation for the app, as it enables them to upload key medical documents, such as vaccination records from local doctors, ensuring that their child’s health information remains complete regardless of location.
“This is particularly important for military families who often receive care outside of a Defence Primary Healthcare facility and may need to share medical records with different healthcare providers on their return to the UK.”
One parent said: “As a military family relocating from Cyprus to the UK, we have experienced the value of having the eRedbook to manage our children’s health records.
“Two of the most significant benefits of the eRedbook have been its portability and having everything in one place. Moving from one location to another is a regular part of our lives, and keeping track of medical records across different systems can be a logistical nightmare.
“When we moved back to the UK, it was reassuring to know that our children’s health records were securely stored and easily accessible. This eliminated the need to request and transfer paper records from our previous healthcare provider overseas, saving time and reducing the risk of lost or incomplete records.
“It has also given us control over our children’s health records. Unlike paper-based systems where we’d need to rely on previous medical practices or providers to retrieve information, the eRedbook ensures that all data is in place and accessible whenever we need it, no matter where we are living.”
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Kooth
The Army Welfare Service (AWS) has partnered with Kooth to provide a digitally accessible mental health resource to children and young people aged 11-18 with a parent or family member serving in the armed forces.
Rebecca Wakefield, AWS Chief Community Development Officer, said: “Access to Kooth has been really welcomed by young people who register with the service. They make good use of the forums, journals and articles and those who use the dropin chats and messaging with the Kooth delivery team have found it very helpful and supportive.
“They say they would recommend it to their friends. Kooth and the Community Development team are planning virtual Kooth awareness sessions to be delivered directly to young people in armed forces families overseas.” For more information, see kooth.com/mod
Togetherall
Togetherall is a free online service for serving personnel, veterans and family members aged 16 or over. It provides a combination of anonymous services including monitored community support, guided support, courses and self-help programmes.
The team is experienced in supporting the armed forces community with issues including stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD. See togetherall.com
Headspace app
The Headspace app is free for military personnel and army personnel can now gift free membership to five family members or friends. Headspace is a personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, exercise and reducing stress. See headspace.com
HeadFit
Serving personnel can also access HeadFit, an online mental fitness resource that has been designed by the military, for the military. See headfit.org
More information
There is an NHS webpage on healthcare for the armed forces community at nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/
Other specific webpages are also available by searching ‘armed forces’ on the Scottish NHS Highland website and gov.wales.
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS ONLINE
Applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have previously had to be made by phone or post, however, in some locations in England you can now apply for PIP online. To see if you can apply online in your area you will need to check your postcode when you start your application. Visit gov.uk/pip/eligibility
If you’re in Scotland you can apply for Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment online.