NHS Employers Unlease New Social Media Guidance

A published guidance called ‘HR and social media in the NHS’ has been published by the NHS Employers organisation as they hope to promote social media in order to make the health service more effective.

The report discusses what elements of social media can support high quality care for patients. With social media’s help, patients can be better equipped to find good information online.

Social media would allow the NHS to understand developments in staff and/or patient situations sooner and with more ease. Also, the use of it would lead to a stronger relationship between staff and the public.

Director of the NHS Employers organisation, Dean Royles, said: “I believe 2013 will be the year when the NHS significantly changes its view of social media. A tipping point has been reached and people throughout the NHS are recognising that the positive benefits of social media far outweigh its risks.”

“I know some people have concerns about confidentially and reputational issues. In the NHS it isn't social media itself that's the issue, but the need for greatly clarity on professional behaviour and confidentiality combined with a more permissive approach in organisational policies encouraging staff to use social media safely. I hope our new guidance helps many organisations find that clarity.”

“The NHS more than ever before wants to promote a culture where people can raise issues and be heard. Social media can be an important barometer of emerging issues, opinions and concerns, and we have a duty to listen and get involved.”

Founder of #NHSSM (NHS social media) and contributor of the new guidance said that: "The NHS staff of tomorrow will all use the internet to improve their work. Many will have been educated by the UK’s schools, colleges and universities who will have provided online modules, revision apps and helpful multimedia.”

“Collectively these future staff will demand and expect to use social media in their jobs. Human resources in the NHS has to come to terms with this and help lay the foundations for staff to use social media to improve their work."

“Currently, guidelines in the NHS for use of social media suggest 'if you wouldn't say it in the canteen, don't type it'.

Do you think this guidance is a good idea?

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VoIP Calling On Facebook Messenger Distributed To U.S. Users

Facebook Messenger users in the United States have begun receiving VoIP calling for their Messenger app which is a new way to make free calls.

The feature has been tested in Canada and has now begun to be distributed to U.S. users. The calling service in Canada was accompanied with an app update which saw users given help and support for voice messaging.

The calls are only free if you are using Wi-Fi. However, the Facebook Messenger voice calling will also use regular cellular data if there is no Wi-Fi present.

For the VoIP calling function to work, users need to open the app, and if the feature has been given to you, tap the “i” button on the top right of open messages to see a “Free Call” icon.

The bonus of Facebook Messenger to make voice calls other than the obvious fact of it being free is that it can be accessed any time an internet connection is found.

With this instalment, Facebook look to be asserting themselves more and more into the realm of mobile communications.


Facebook last month allowed users to use the Android Messenger app by just signing up with a phone number. This was followed by a “Poke” app that deleted messages after a certain amount of time.

VoIP calling is currently only available to iOS users.

Can you access the VoIP calling on the Messenger app? What do you think about this update?

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Facebook Asks For Participants For Poke Survey

Facebook are placing ads on user’s homepage of the social media site to find participants who are willing to take part in a survey concerning their new Poke app.

The giants of social media want to know how you feel about ‘poking’, and whether you use it at all. The Poke app was launched a few weeks ago and by using Ethn.io, an internet recruiting tool, subjects are being found.

Clicking on the ad that says, “Facebook is seeking paid participants for phone research” leads participants to a questionnaire that first and foremost asks whether they are using the application or not.

“We’re conducting phone interviews about the poke app and would like to talk with you if you use the app. This is not spam . . .”

“If you’d be willing to talk with us over Skype/GoTomeeting for 45 min and have a webcam, answer a few questions and we’ll contact you if you are selected. Only those who we contact will receive the incentive.”

Users who have been chosen to take part are then eligible to receive a $75 gift card from Amazon once they have completed the face-to-face interview.



The Poke app for iPhone allows users to send photos, videos, or messages to friends which last for a specific amount of time. The app adds a different perspective to Facebook as it gives people the chance to temporarily add content whereas content posted in general feels very permanent.

To celebrate the launch of the Poke app, Facebook changed the sign in front of their HQ at Menlo Park from a Like sign to that of a Poke sign.

With useful feedback from those participating, Facebook will be able to develop improved strategies and techniques to get more people involved.

The release of the Poke app coincides with a rise in Facebook’s stock. Stock prices have gone up to $30 which has been steadily rising since it hit an all time low of $17.55 in August.

What do you think of the Poke app? Will you be taking part in the survey?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.