The first campaign running on the account features various 'curators' who will spend a week in control of it, "holding a magnifying glass up to the system" in an effort to improve the way care is delivered, according to Jane Cummings, chief nursing officer for NHS England.
The three-month pilot project was launched earlier today (Monday) in a video posted on Twitter featuring Dan Smith, a consultant paramedic at North West Ambulance Service.
Hello everyone. This is @NHS. pic.twitter.com/LixoyWvKNz
— @NHS / Richard (@NHS) 16 October 2016
To ensure maximum reach for the campaign, Twitter is promoting the NHS account to its 18 million UK users.
The account’s curator for the first week is Richard Orchard, who receives treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust. He said: "It’s been an eventful time in my life being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and I’m looking forward to sharing my journey with others for the week – with all its highs and lows.
"I hope some of my experiences strike a chord with fellow cancer patients, to let them know they’re not alone in this."
Rob Owers, head of news & government partnerships at Twitter UK, said: "This is such a great initiative from the NHS. From patients to paramedics, the people taking control of the account will be sharing powerful stories and experiences that others will be able to relate to and empathise with."
Keep an eye out for tweets from our first curator @richard_orchard
— @NHS / Richard (@NHS) October 17, 2016
Getting stuck into my first morning as a curator. Fun so far ?? pic.twitter.com/U4b2TN7YcT
— @NHS / Richard (@NHS) October 17, 2016
Managed to make 7.7k steps... So having a good day :) Coincidentally, I live near the King George's Hospital healthy hike. pic.twitter.com/cVM44Wdjqn
— @NHS / Richard (@NHS) October 17, 2016
Tweeting via the handle @NHS, and using the hashtag #NHScurator, Orchard is spending the week answering questions about his treatment, his love of superheroes and what he does to stay fit.
The @NHS Twitter account was created in July, but the video featuring paramedic Smith was its first tweet.
