There is still suspicion and fear of social media among many people working in the NHS and often staff are banned from accessing online networks. The starting point for this campaign will be an event in Liverpool on 13th December, where we have a great lineup of speakers who will talk about how they've made a difference - through using social media.
In the case of the Greater Manchester Kidney Information Network, one patient says the group he met on GMKIN social media became his lifeline. He will be one of our speakers, alongside a Research Fellow who carried out a study into the impact of social media on health, based on GMKIN. We know there are many health and care professionals using social media to spread knowledge through blogs and videos; or to ask questions and act on patient feedback; or to create and manage patient communities.
We want to showcase their great work, to inspire and give others the confidence to do it themselves. Another speaker is Alex Talbott, the author of social media guides published by NHS Employers and the power behind @NHSgetsocial and @NHSSM. And the CEO of Patient Opinion, Dr James Munro, will be describing how patient feedback on social media can be a force which leads to improvement. The event is at the Jurys Inn at Liverpool’s waterfront on 13th December. It is fully funded by the Innovation Agency and lunch is provided. This is for people working in health and care who are willing to be social media champions in their workplace. There is more information at: http://bit.ly/2dYyQH9. Please do get in touch if you are interested in joining us. @carokenyon