They asked what we know about people who don't access services at the moment and whether Healthline would make a difference for these people. The workshops pointed out that there were a lot of telephone advice services already being provided . Asthma educators are already providing this type of service. People used to get this kind of advice from family members, but now they're looking in other places for this advice. One of the views at the workshops was that it was better to provide information than advice .
Surveys show that access to information is difficult.
Women are saying that they are confused about health services and how they have changed. This is less of a problem for emergencies, but there is a definite need for information on what people should do to contact services and get support in the community. Issues include money, distance, the lack of services, support following early discharge from hospital and the burden on carers. Many people at the workshops thought it would be better to strengthen existing services than to introduce a new service. They said the HFA should be researching a lot more and channeling the money elsewhere.