24/7 health advice just a phone call away

The face of 24/7 health advice just got a lot more animated, as a campaign featuring a cute, but strife-prone character appears on billboards and screens across North Brisbane this month.

The campaign’s mascot brings to life the seriousness of symptoms commonly seen among Emergency Department patients – who are often better off first calling 13 HEALTH – but does so in a light-hearted and friendly way.

Through its body shape and facial expressions, the ‘Anytime Health Advice’ mascot vividly expresses the painful emotions felt during a health crisis and depicts these across a range of familiar settings.

Among its aims, the Australian Government-funded campaign seeks to raise awareness of health advice for Queenslanders, available anytime from registered nurses, by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for the cost of a local call.

Brisbane North PHN Board Chair Dr Anita Green said people frequently head straight to the hospital if they need medical treatment and their usual GP is closed for the day.

“Going to the Emergency Department isn’t always your best option,” Dr Green said.

“Many common health problems – like gastro, minor cuts and sprains – aren’t medical emergencies, so it just makes sense to call 13 HEALTH for free advice from a nurse before rushing out the door in the middle of the night,” she said.

“Another option we recommend is the healthdirect online symptom checker. This website offers health advice you can count on and it’s available anytime.

“In many cases, you can get the help you need over the phone or online. Emergency Departments are for medical emergencies only.

“If you suspect an injury or illness is a medical emergency – like a stroke or heart attack – call 000 for an ambulance,” Dr Green said.

Brisbane North PHN will promote the ‘Anytime Health Advice’ campaign across bus stops and billboards, Facebook, online advertising and paid search, and digital panels in general practice – over 6-8 weeks from mid-February.

Ogilvy Australia, the PHN’s creative agency for the Anytime Health Advice campaign, has been producing iconic, culture-changing marketing campaigns in Australia for over 50 years.

For more information, and to order a free campaign fridge magnet, go to www.anytimehealthadvice.org.au.