The application features details of each and every health service in Bristol, their contact information, their GPS location and more, all at the touch of a button. So you can use it to find a GP, an NHS dentist or the nearest walk-in centre.
Other features include an ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) option, an alert appointment reminder service and recorded messages with instructions on how to deal with specific health emergencies.
Deborah Evans, NHS Bristol chief executive, said: ‘When searching for healthcare sometimes it’s difficult to know where to go, who to see and how to get there; but now our iPhone app can help you. This application is a way for us to open services up to the public and provide genuine information and choice for patients. I’m excited at the way we can use new technologies to improve patient’s choice and I’m sure that the people of Bristol will feel the same way.’
The application, developed in partnership with Bristol-based company MyOxygenMobile, is the first application of its type in the UK and is in the process of being developed for the new ‘Android’ platform of mobile phones.
Andrew Farmer, MyOxygenMobile manager, said: ‘Developing this app with NHS Bristol has been really exciting, especially as it’s the first of its kind in the UK, and potentially the world. We are now working on the emerging Android version so it’s a really progressive piece of work. We focussed on making the application clear and accessible using familiar icons and images to help the user. We feel the application is great for the people of Bristol, a perfect way of using new technology and we are keen to see how successful it will be.’
The application uses accurate GPS to locate the phone user and all of NHS Bristol locations so patients can find their way to all services, which include GP surgeries, Bristol’s two walk-in centres, minor injuries unit and NHS dentistry.
It also features a ‘push’ reminder service for appointments which the user can set-up. This feature alone could help chip away at the estimated £180m the NHS nationally loses in missed GP appointments every year. With every missed appointment costing the NHS an estimated £112, the savings for NHS Bristol could be great.
Another innovative feature of the app is ICE, In Case of Emergency, for those who have a long-term condition or particular health concern.
Users can input information about their condition and in the event of a serious situation, pushing the ICE button emits a loud sound and displays the health information, aiding a quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If the phone user is confronted with an emergency situation, the application also contains a number of audio guides to aid support. Whilst not a substitute for a first-aid course, they can help users until an ambulance comes.
Hugh Annett, Bristol’s director of public health, said: ‘This application is one of the most exciting developments in health I’ve seen for years. The service finder means you will never have to search the whole web for a NHS Bristol service again. The app is so easy to use and above all really useful. I hope everyone who has an iPhone and lives in Bristol or is visiting Bristol will download the application and share it with family and friends, it could save someone’s life.’
The application can be downloaded for free through iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nhs-bristol/id370563393?mt=8
A video of the iPhone app in action can be seen on: http://www.vimeo.com/12465814
NHS Bristol welcomes feedback from users which will help us make refinements and changes to the application.