Our Dorset, the partnership of health and social care organisations from across the county, has launched a new online health app library.
The launch coincides with the #HereForYou campaign which reassures Dorset residents that their health services are still available should they need them and that they should seek help and advice despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, whether that be from home or at an NHS site.
Powered by ORCHA, who work internationally leading health app evaluation and distribution, the library is an additional tool for people to use for support and guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. It features trusted apps related to both mental and physical health, evaluated for their clinical assurance, data privacy, and user experience.
Dr Karen Kirkham, (pictured) Dorset GP and Integrated Care System Clinical Lead & Assistant Clinical Chair, NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:
“The new app library provides people with additional practical resources and support. It gives them the power to manage their own physical and mental health, whilst reassuring them that the apps they’re using are the best and safest around, and have been approved by local clinicians in Dorset.”
The library includes apps to help with a wide range of health conditions, from managing joint and muscular problems, to anxiety and how to improve mental wellbeing. There are also sections focussing on long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and lung conditions – such as COPD and Asthma – with many more in development.
The whole library is free to use and can be found at www.ourdorset.nhs.uk/apps
Apps are available to download for Apple and Android devices.
