Reid promotes 'self care' for better health

Millions of people suffering long-term conditions could soon be receiving information by text messages and emails on how to stay fit and healthy.

Health Secretary John Reid unveiled the proposals as he outlined some of the new ways in which the NHS could be helping people with long-term conditions take better care of their own health.

The guidance document, 'Self Care - A Real Choice' is part of a Government drive to improve the lives of the millions of people in England who are affected by long-term conditions. The guidance will also enable the NHS to improve the lifestyles of other people in the wider community, helping them to lead healthier lifestyles or take better care of minor ailments.

Long-term conditions from asthma and diabetes are among those that cannot, at present, be cured, but can be controlled by medicines and other therapies.

Mr Reid said: "It's all about empowering patients and the public to take more control over their lives. Everybody is used to brushing their teeth regularly to keep the dentist at bay. We are looking to get more people to adopt this proactive approach towards their general healthcare.

"This document sets out how the NHS should be making self care a central part of supporting people with long-term conditions, as well as helping us all improve our health."

The NHS will also be encouraged to extend use of more traditional self care support programmes, such as nurse-led classes educating newly diagnosed patients about their condition.

The NHS Direct family of services - telephone helpline, internet and interactive digital TV - adds modern communication technology to self care support programmes.

The Government will issue the new guidance to the NHS this week on how it can provide people with real choice for self care by supporting and enabling them to care better for themselves and their families.

The guidance follows a blueprint, published last week, setting out plans for improving the health and quality of life of those with long-term conditions.

The guidance aims to provide practical options that care professionals can follow to provide improved 'self-care' advice and support to individuals to stay healthy.

The 'community matron', a new health professional role, will give one-to-one support to the most vulnerable patients with long-term conditions.

However, GPs have hit out at the community matron proposal as a "duplication" of many of the existing health care functions already provided by GP practices and community nurses.

(SP)