Integrated Therapy service launches BHT Therapy Link
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Children and Young People’s Integrated Therapy Service has introduced BHT Therapy Link, a new way for parents/carers, children and young people, schools and Early Years settings to get in touch with its physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy teams.
From today, Tuesday 1 April, parents/carers, education settings and young people will be able to send a text message to 07312 263754 for confidential help and advice about occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.
An automated reply will be sent to confirm a message has been received. A Children and Young People’s Integrated Therapy Link Worker will then reply to the message within 2 working days.
The messaging service is available 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Therapy Link workers are a vital part of the Children’s Integrated Therapies team, offering essential support to children and their families. Their primary role is to provide advice, guidance, and signposting to appropriate services within the integrated therapies system. They assist in navigating the complex landscape of healthcare and community services, ensuring families are connected with the right resources to meet the specific needs of the child.
Fiona Barry, Head of Service for Children and Young People’s Integrated Therapy service at the Trust, said: “We wanted to change the way parents, carers, young people and education professionals receive support from our therapists. The introduction of our Therapy Link workers, together with the BHT Therapy Link text messaging service, will signpost people to the most appropriate support quickly and help them to navigate the range of advice, information and support we’re able to provide.”
The ChatHealth text messaging system was developed to offer more choice in how people can get help from local trained health staff in their area. The system has already been successfully trialled and implemented at several NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across the UK.
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has already implemented ChatHealth to support young people aged 11-19 in Buckinghamshire who are able to send a confidential text message to the Trust School Nursing team, and ‘ChatHealth 0-5 years’ to receive support from the Trust Health Visiting team.
Visit the Trust’s Children and Young People’s website for more information: www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/