Women who struggle to find trustworthy health information online are being urged to download a new NHS health app.

Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Committee (ICB) has launched its women’s health app called CONNECTPlusto act as a practical, trusted source.

For this purpose, discussions with local communities in the ICB area revealed that there is a need for such an app.

Lizzie Mapplebeck, ICB’s deputy director of strategic change, said the sheer volume of information available online can be overwhelming for women.

“Earlier this year we spoke to just over 1,200 people from Suffolk and north-east Essex to better understand people’s experiences, particularly in relation to their experiences of women’s health services,” she explained.

“We have felt a strong desire for trusted information, education and self-help advice on women’s health that is available 24/7.

“We are aware that there is a lot of misinformation out there.”

In 2021 the national women’s health strategy for England found that 71% of respondents used Google as their primary source for health information.

“We believe we are really promoting health inclusivity and advancing health equity when it comes to women’s health,” Ms. Mapplebeck said.

Topics covered by the app include cervical cancer screening, menstrual issues including endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, contraception and more.

Although the app covers women’s health topics, Ms. Mapplebeck encouraged everyone to use it.

The app, which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, remains under review, Ms Mapplebeck said.

“We need to make sure that the information in the app is still relevant. That’s why we will continue to produce the app together and continue to listen to user feedback,” she added.

“We will build on the content and want to make sure it is suitable not only for the present but also for the future.”