HealthInform- A Summary

What is HealthInform?

An outreach information service that offers members of the public the chance to access patient focused information about medical conditions, to increase awareness of options for healthcare and well being. The service aims to provide information in a format to suit the needs of each user. The service is free and confidential.

HealthInform works to an operational policy which outlines the parameters of the project, details the role of the HealthInform worker, and what users can expect.

HealthInform is not:

An advice, counselling or guidance service.

A substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional.

These facts are emphasized to every user.

How do users access HealthInform?

Each person who uses HealthInform will telephone or e-mail for an appointment, or drop in to the Library and Resource Centre at Edgware Community Hospital, or a HealthInform venue (see below).

If a user has a language or other specific communication need HealthInform can arrange an interpreter.

Each user is asked some simple questions about their information request, and the HealthInform worker then searches for appropriate information from credible internet sites and other sources, for example:

·        NHS Direct

• Cancer Research UK
• Mind

Internet sites are judged according to strict criteria produced by The Judge Project (www.judgehealth.org.uk). The Judge Project is collaboration between:

·        Contact a Family; a UK charity which helps families who care for children with disabilities; and

·        The Information Management Research Institute, School of Informatics, Northumbria University

HealthInform also offers individuals details of local and national support groups and helplines.

When the search is complete, the user is contacted again to arrange another meeting. This meeting is a chance to talk about the information and for the user to ask questions.  Alternatively, information can be sent or e-mailed to the user.

Where is HealthInform?  

The HealthInform worker is based in the Library and Resource Centre at Edgware Community Hospital.

HealthInform drop in sessions are held at a range of venues across the borough, with particular emphasis on the wards of Colindale, Burnt Oak, West Hendon, East Finchley and Childs Hill, including East Finchley and Childs Hill public libraries.

However, anyone living locally can access HealthInform, it is not just for people living in these areas.

Who is HealthInform for?

People who want to find out more about a specific health condition or treatment. It can be a condition the user has been diagnosed with, or a condition that someone close to the user has been diagnosed with. 

HealthInform is particularly aimed at groups who may have difficulty accessing health information, including;

·        Minority ethnic groups

·        Single parent families

·        Elderly people

·        Young people, particularly those who are unemployed

·        Any other locally disadvantaged people

Also, HealthInform can give local health professionals information for patients, and advice about reliable sources of patient information.

How is HealthInform funded?

HealthInform is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund until 2008.

It is part of the A5 Partnership Healthy Living Centre which also includes the partners:

·        Barnet College

·        Cherry Lodge Cancer Care

·        Sangam Association

·        Uganda Aids Action Fund (UAAF)

If you would like more information, or a copy of the HealthInform Operational Policy please contact;   Christine Halpin or Fiona Page- Roberts HealthInform Library and Resource Centre, Edgware Community Hospital Telephone:  020 8732 6880        E-mail:    healthinform@barnet-pct.nhs.uk