A NEW digital tool to help people find local health services and advice has been launched in Harlow. As part of the Evening and Weekend GP service, the Health help Now web site and app gives detailed advice and guidance on the most common ailments and symptoms. The tool also recommends the best place for treatment – showing which nearby services are open.

West Essex residents can access the site online at westessex.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk or download it from the App Store or Google Play.

The app is broken down into different age groups – baby, child, teenager, adult and older adult – making it easier for people to find the right treatment for them. Health help Now also offers advice on lots of health problems – such as what to do if you accidentally run out of medication. It links to local services including pharmacies, the community and voluntary sector and social care.

Debbie Bodhanya, CEO of Stellar Healthcare says: “Health help Now is a really useful tool for local residents to find the best NHS service for their needs. It’s really easy to use and is a great step forward in signposting people to the right health services. We continue to look at ways to use technology in health and care and this is another opportunity available to patients in west Essex.”

Dr Rob Gerlis, chair of West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Harlow GP said: “Often people don’t know where to go for help and might end up at A&E when they don’t really need to. Self-Care Week is the perfect opportunity to think about how you can help yourself to keep well such as making sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet and know how to manage common illness. This new app is the perfect first point-of-contact for any health help and advice and I would encourage all residents to download it now.”
Health help Now forms part of the Evening and Weekend GP service which is managed by Stellar Healthcare, in partnership with West Essex CCG and Uttlesford Health.