'Does your pee smell kinda strange?': Quirky ads launched for N.L. Healthline
Improvements include call-backs for people with mental illness, addiction concerns
The Newfoundland and Labrador government has relaunched its Healthline with a series of quirky jingles in an effort to get more residents to pick up the phone, rather than go to a clinic for answers to health-related questions.
"Do you have tummy pains, or your pee smells kinda strange? Take your questions that need answers, ask an RN and avoid the weird glances," the jingle urges.
The 24-hour phone line will now be accessible by dialling 811, and all calls are answered by registered nurses.
The addition of a mobile phone app and updated website will include contact information for health services in the province.
"Nurses are available to answer health-related questions or concerns as well as assess symptoms and provide care advice to the best approach to your health," Health Minister Steve Kent said at a news conference Thursday.
"It provides follow up calls to patients who leave the emergency room before being seen by a health-care provider."
Follow up calls will be made to those who call the Healthline with "mild to moderate" mental health and addiction concerns.