Social media is becoming a key delivery for NHS communications. Many Trusts are successfully using Twitter to instantly broadcast information such as news releases, service changes and health advice. However, what is often lost or completely missing from this landscape are the conversations initiated by patients.
The effort of NHS staff can have life-changing consequences for patients and their families and these are positive experiences they may want to share.
The #NHSheroes campaign is designed to give patients an accessible and informal platform to praise NHS staff and hear the stories of other patients. In addition to this, it will also help collate good news stories from across the NHS and focus on front-line staff that are going the extra mile.
What is a hashtag?
A hashtag uses the # symbol to tag a keyword in a Twitter message (tweet). This then links it to all other tweets that include the hashtag. By linking tweets in this way you instantly create a community of people with a shared interest and bring together conversations that would otherwise exist in isolation.
How you can help
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Put posters up in your waiting areas - They will be distributed in due course to Practice Managers. You can download a sample here.
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If you currently use Twitter, start using the hashtag #NHSHeroes and share your experiences.
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Generally spread the word and tweet away.
Finally, why not follow NHS Medway for the latest news, service updates and healthy living information - we are @nhsmedway.
