NHS Wales makes Choose Well an app

NHS Wales has launched a smartphone app to give people bilingual access to Choose Well campaign information.

The app encourages people to consider alternatives to dialling 999 or going to A&E by using a colour-coded thermometer to link their symptoms with NHS services.

It is available free on iPhones and iPads. An Android version will follow this autumn. Health minister Lesley Griffiths said the app would help people choose the most appropriate care.

“As well as catering for people living in Wales, the app is a useful tool for people who are less familiar with our health service, such as visitors,” he added.

“I hope visitors to Olympic Games events being held in Wales will have a happy and health stay here, but should they need medical help, the Choose Well app will guide them toward appropriate care.”

The app was developed by Plextek, a development consultancy that specialises in medical databases and app development.

The Choose Well campaign has been running across the NHS since 2009, and first reached Wales 18 months ago.