Cornwall: Texting service for health advice launched

Chat Health connects people with health visitors and school nurses, who can offer confidential advice

A new messaging service offering health advice has been launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Chat Health aims to provide easy access to information about things from potty training and breastfeeding to accessing drugs and alcohol support.

The service links young people and families with health visitors and school nurses.

Funded by the government's Start for Life programme, Chat Health is open on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 GMT.

When a text message is sent, an automated reply confirms it has been received.

A trained healthcare professional within the health visiting or school nursing teams will then reply within 48 hours and can offer confidential advice.

'New and innovative'

Cornwall Council said the new service "enhances our existing health visiting and school nursing advice line".

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families, said: "The Start for Life offer in Cornwall aims to give parents, carers and families wraparound support on their parenting journeys.

"Our health visitors and school nurses do a fantastic job and this is a new and innovative way for people to quickly and easily access their knowledge and expertise.

"It is one of the council's priorities to make Cornwall a brilliant place to be a child and grow up and initiatives like Chat Health are instrumental in making this happen."

Cornwall Council specified that Chat Health is not an emergency service and that people needing urgent advice should contact 999 or go to A&E.