Healthcare phone councelling pondered
Efforts to improve access to primary healthcare and to shorten waiting times for treatment could be helped by introducing telephone counselling.
The idea is being considered in light of an investigation carried out by the Ministry this year to look at the feasibility of using phone counselling to take care of a portion of healthcare enquiries.
The scheme would aim to ensure that the need for a consultation with a physician could be better ascertained. As the demand for services is expected to grow, the phone service would enable an assessment of a patient’s healthcare needs.
From March 2005 clients will be entitled to contact the health centre immediately and to be given an assessment on their treatment needs within three days. The use of phone counselling could be incorporated into this legislation.
Further information: Senior Officer, Leagal Affairs Päivi Salo, tel. +358 9 160 74130, + 358 50 364 7597