Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
If you have a child between the ages of 0-19 and live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland, you can text a public health nurse via ChatHealth, a dedicated, secure text messaging service.
The ChatHealth service enables parents and carers to get confidential health advice and support on a whole range of issues, including
- healthy eating
- child development
- emotional health
- behaviour difficulties and parenting concerns
- family health
How do I text a public health nurse (health visitor or school nurse)?
The number to use depends on where you live:
- In Leicester City: text 07520 615 381
- In Leicestershire or Rutland: text 07520 615 382
How does it work?
The texting service is available from 9am to 5pm every week day, excluding bank holidays. You will receive an automated message straightaway to confirm that your text has been received, and then you will get a text response within 24 hours.
This service is confidential
Your messages are stored and can be seen by health care staff who follow strict confidentiality rules. If they are concerned about your safety, they might inform someone, but would usually speak to you about this first.
Remember, health professionals will only see your text during working hours (9am to 5pm). If you need help more quickly, you should contact your GP, nearest walk in centre or dial 111.
Please note that the ChatHealth text service cannot receive voice calls or MMS picture messages. To prevent the health professional from sending messages to you, text stop to the number. Messages are charged at your usual rate.
Healthy Together Helpline
You can also speak to a health professional through the Healthy Together Helpline, by calling 0300 300 3001.
