NHS Direct working with Blackburn with Darwen PCT to pilot NHS Wellness

NHS Direct has been funded by the East of England Strategic Health Authority to deliver a new, innovative Wellness service which aims to support patients who either have, or are at risk of developing, long term conditions (LTCs).  

Middle aged couple using a laptop It will help patients to stay well by identifying their individual risks and tackling the underpinning reasons behind the development and exacerbation of their LTC’s. The programme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, will provide support for 1,000 patients in Blackburn with Darwen PCT.

The service is a unique concept which enables patients to access NHS Direct’s Digital Wellness service and Band 4 Health Coaches through a variety of channels including the web, telephone and mobile. It will support healthy eating, smoking cessation, exercise, alcohol, drug/medicines concordance and mental health (focussing on identifying and supporting people with depression).

The programme will work in partnership with local NHS providers to enhance existing local face-to-face services including cardiovascular disease health checks, health trainers, as well as stop smoking, healthy eating and exercise campaigns.

Similar programmes in the USA have delivered compelling results: a return on investment of $3-5 for every $1 invested in improving patients’ health and wellbeing.

The expected benefits of the Wellness service are significant and include:

 

  • Increased level of self care amongst patients with LTCs or those with life/health limiting conditions who through support could reduce their progression to developing an LTC.
  • Improved choice of contact or communications channel for patients who may not find traditional face-to-face approaches convenient or appropriate.
  • Widespread application opportunities, not only for patients with LTCs, but for improving the health of a community, by offering additional support and advice e.g. to reduce weight, improve diet, stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, improve mental health and improve drug concordance.
  • Savings to the wider health community as patients are supported in improving their health, thus reducing the pressure on carers and primary and secondary care service providers.

For further information about the Wellness service, please contact your Regional Director.