Text health advice line available for parents and carers

HMR Health Visiting team responding to text queries

A new confidential text service has been set up by Bury and Rochdale Care Organisation for parents and carers in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale with children aged 0 - 19 years.

This service which is now live offers help and advice on a range of health related issues by health professional support giving up to date relevant information or where applicable setting up direct appointments or signposting them to the most appropriate service.

The service is being managed and run by the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Health Visiting and School Nursing team and is available Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) 9am - 4.30pm.

Parentline, aptly named and co-produced with local parents, was set up following the successful CHAT Health; a text service that has been running for many years offering support and advice for young people to access across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. CHAT Health, started at Leicester School of Nursing now has 74 services running nationwide.

Any parent or carer can text Parentline and they will receive an initial automated acknowledgement that will trigger the team to respond in person through a text or telephone call within one working day. If help is required before the parent or carer hears back from the team, they will be advised to contact their GP, NHS 111 or dial 999 if it is an emergency.  Any texts sent outside of normal working hours will not be seen.

Victoria Thorne, Divisional Director of Nursing and Therapies, said: “This is a great service set up and managed by our health visiting team and school nurses. Building on from the successful CHAT Health and listening to our parents in the community we know that Parentline will be a welcomed addition to our community services and a valuable resource for our parents and carers.”

The range of issues Parentline cover include topics that are connected with health development for children, from sleep, feeding, breastfeeding to emotional health, self-harm, bullying and minor incidents and illnesses.

Anyone wanting to contact the service for advice and support, please send a text to 07507 333482.