The NHS has created its first TikTok channel because many young people now seek health guidance from social media influencers instead of established medical sources. The decision follows warnings from Professor Frankie Swords, the service’s new national medical director, that false information poses a genuine risk to public health. The channel will deliver evidence-based advice on platforms where users commonly look up symptoms, treatments and general wellbeing. Professor Swords noted rising public interest in health matters but expressed concern that people often receive unreliable guidance from unqualified individuals. She highlighted cases where patients arrive convinced of particular conditions, reject proven treatments or pursue untested remedies. The account has begun posting videos on sore throats, vaccinations, seasonal advice and events such as Wimbledon. Recent research by Healthwatch England showed one in five people now use platforms including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for health information, with nearly one in ten also turning to AI tools. William Pett of Healthwatch England welcomed the NHS move, saying it meets people where they already search for answers and helps accurate information appear alongside misleading content.
