News & Events > Sourcing health information

NHS Scotland have launched a new website - How to use the NHS in Scotland. The site contains information is 17 different languages and is aimed at those new to the NHS or NHS services. Information is available on the web site, in video or text form, and as a DVD. The videos which make up the DVD provide a clear and simple guide to the NHS in Scotland.

This includes information about family doctors (GPs), dentists, opticians, pharmacists, and out of hours services. There is an introduction which contains some important general information, and a short section on how to give comments, whether good or bad, about services.

The DVD starts with a choice of 17 languages, including English and British Sign Language (BSL). There is an option to view the English version with subtitles, and the BSL version also has subtitles.

The videos show what different NHS services look like, using up to date film of these services. In five of the videos you can follow people as they use particular services. The videos also use graphics and icons to highlight important information like phone numbers, or where you can find particular services.

The DVD is available, free of charge, by calling the NHS helpline on 0800 22 44 88 or logging on to www.howtousethenhs.com where there is an order form.