Women encouraged to download new NHS health app

Lizzie Mapplebeck of Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board has worked on the brand new women's health app

Women who struggle to find trusted health information online are being urged to download a new NHS health app.

Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has launched its women's health app, called CONNECTPlus, to act as a convenient, trusted source.

It comes after engagement with local communities in the ICB's area found a need for such an app.

Lizzie Mapplebeck, associate director of strategic change at the ICB, said the huge wealth of information online could be overwhelming for women.

"Earlier this year we spoke to just over 1,200 people from Suffolk and North East Essex to gain a greater understanding of people's experiences especially regarding their experiences of women's health services," she explained.

"What we heard was a real strong desire to have trusted information and trusted education, and self-help advice on women's health which is available day or night.

"We are aware there is a lot of misinformation out there."

In 2021, the national Women's Health Strategy for England found 71% of people questioned used Google as their main source of health information.

"We feel that we're really promoting health inclusivity and advancing health equality in relation to women's health," said Ms Mapplebeck.

'Fit for the future'

Topics covered by the app include cervical screening, menstrual problems including endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, contraception and more.

While the app covers women's health topics, Ms Mapplebeck encouraged everyone to make use of it.

The app, available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, would continue to be reviewed, Ms Mapplebeck said.

"We need to make sure the information that's on the app is still relevant so we will continue to co-produce the app and continue to listen to feedback from users," she added.

"We will build on the content and we want to make sure that it is not just fit for now but fit for the future."