Talk 24 – Issue 6

NHS 24’s new public health campaign – ‘Powered by People’

NHS 24 is sharing advice to help people across Scotland enjoy a healthy festive holiday – and what to do if it’s not so healthy! 

The advice is part of NHS 24’s new public health campaign which highlights the benefits of using NHS 24’s digital services like NHS inform and the NHS 24 Online app when you need quick, safe and accurate health information.  Fronted by NHS 24 staff alongside patients, and the new creative uses a 'flipbook' technique to visually bring healthcare staff and patients accessing care digitally closer together.

• Access the campaign toolkit for key messages, campaign assets and more.
• Visit NHS 24’s campaign page for more winter health advice.

Award winning collaboration

NHS 24, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Ambulance Service have united to enhance mental health support across Scotland, in a collaboration known as the ‘Mental Health Pathway.’ The development of the scheme means people phoning 999 with non-emergency mental health concerns are now routinely referred to NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub, ensuring that police and ambulance staff are not unnecessarily deployed to calls regarding mental health unless there is an immediate threat to life.

In recognition of this innovative work, NHS 24, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, were honoured to be announced as the winners of the ‘Care for Mental Health Award’ at the Scottish Health Awards 2024. This prestigious award celebrated the fresh and collaborative approach taken by the three services in streamlining mental health support services.

• Learn more about the collaboration between the services and the positive impact it has had on both patients and staff.

iMatter survey

NHS 24 has recorded its best iMatter results since the survey was introduced in 2017. Used by all staff in NHS Scotland, iMatter helps individuals, teams and health boards understand and improve staff experience.

Notable NHS 24 iMatter results included:

	National score	NHS 24 score
Action plan completion	58%	92% (highest national patient facing board)
Employee Engagement Index (EEI)	76	77 (joint highest national patient facing board)
Response to survey	58%	76% (highest national patient facing board)
Good place to work	85%	87% (highest national patient facing board)

Jacqui Hepburn is NHS 24’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce. She explains how these results demonstrate NHS 24’s commitment to creating a positive workplace that invests in its staff,

“Through various development and staff engagement initiatives, we have made significant strides in creating an environment to help our colleagues feel valued and supported. It was fantastic to learn that NHS 24 had recorded such positive results in the most recent iMatter survey, which are a testament to the hard work and dedication from all our staff.”

• Read more on NHS 24’s iMatter results.
• To view the iMatter report in full visit the Scottish Government’s website.

Annual Review and Cabinet Secretary visit

Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care recently chaired NHS 24’s Annual Review at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel in Glasgow, as well as finding time to visit our Norseman House contact centre in South Queensferry.

The Annual Review was a chance for Mr Gray to meet staff, learn more about the NHS 24’s strategic ambitions, as well as plans to transform the delivery of digital services to people across Scotland.

During his visit to Norseman House, Mr Gray learned more about NHS 24’s preparations for the busy festive period and expressed his gratitude to our staff for their commitment to delivering vital services.

Mr Gray said,

“The festive season is always a challenging time for health and care services, and the incredible teams at NHS 24 are rising to meet this challenge head-on. I want to personally thank all staff for their hard work and dedication, especially at this time of year.”

• NHS 24's Annual Review is part of our required regular statutory reporting. You can find out more about NHS 24's reports, plans, papers and policies here 

Signing of the Armed Forces Covenant

NHS 24 is pleased to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. A pledge that those who currently serve or have served, and their families, should be treated fairly and not be disadvantaged in any way, the Covenant was formally signed by NHS 24 Chief Executive, Jim Miller, in advance of the gun salute event at Edinburgh Castle to mark the King’s birthday. NHS 24’s Arlene Campbell, Head of Stakeholder Engagement & Insights and Marnie Westwood, Head of Planning & Resourcing, were formally presented with NHS 24’s certificate by the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Bob Bruce CBE DSO. 

(Photo courtesy of Lowland RFCA)

• Read more on NHS 24 signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Celebrating recent award wins

NHS 24 is pleased to announce more awards received this year. The Communications Team was honoured with the Best Internal Communications Award at The Herald’s Top Employer Awards 2024. Additionally, our Surviving Suicidal Thoughts project has earned the prestigious Holyrood Communications Public Service Award for Policy into Practice. Congratulations and well done to all involved.

 (Photo courtesy of Newsquest Scotland Events)

 (Photo courtesy of Holyrood Communcations)