FAQs
Hopefully, you’ll find the answer to your questions below.
Medical Emergencies
If you have a medical emergency or an urgent medical matter, please call 999 or NHS 111.
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Oviva is a leading provider of NHS services, combining the support of dietitians, diabetes specialist nurses, health coaches and psychologists with technology to make healthcare more convenient and accessible to all.
We blend behaviour change therapy with our unique technology and incredible team to support people to improve their health and better manage their conditions. We partner exclusively with the NHS to offer our programmes across the UK to participants for free. To put it simply, we help people lead healthier and happier lives.
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Our remote approach allows us to provide you with high-frequency health care professional guidance and support whenever and wherever you need it. This includes giving you evidence-based information on food, nutrients and food labels, as well as behaviour change techniques and personalised plans. You will have lifelong access to the Oviva app and Learn, meaning you can come back to refresh your knowledge and track your habits whenever you want.
Scientific evidence shows such an approach can help you to achieve the same or better health outcomes than seeing a healthcare professional face to face with some people able to achieve even better outcomes.
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As we are able to provide care remotely, we will be operating business as usual and will endeavour to continue your care and support throughout your time with us. If you are in an area which includes aspects of face to face care as part of your Oviva journey, then you are likely to get additional communication from us advising on how to access this care remotely from home.
Please continue to attend your phone and video appointments as usual and let us know in advance if you are unwell and unable to receive the call.
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A dietitian is a qualified healthcare professional who is regulated by the UK Health and Care Professionals Council and whose title is also protected by law. They hold either a four-year degree in dietetics, or a science degree followed by a two-year postgraduate qualification. A dietitian has supervised and assessed professional practice in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy and food service management.
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A health coach is an expert in dietary and lifestyle guidance and coaching. Our team of health coaches have degrees in Nutrition and are certified nutritionists, or they have degrees in Psychology or Exercise Therapy with extensive experience in a health coach role. At Oviva you may be supported by a dietitian or a health coach depending on your medical history or the complexity of the programme you are following.
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According to Dr Frankie Phillips, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, “GPs refer patients to a dietitian where there is any indication of adverse effects of diet, for example obesity, allergy, poor growth in children, or where dietary intervention may help to control a condition such as diabetes, raised cholesterol or cancer-related anorexia”.
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We can help you work towards whatever your health goal is in a manageable and sustainable way. If weight loss is your goal, we can help you to reduce your weight and arm you with the knowledge to keep it off in the long term.
Many people who’ve completed our programmes achieve other equally important lifestyle changes, such as reducing their medications, achieving remission of their Type 2 diabetes, having a better relationship with food, and feeling more confident in their ability to make healthy choices.
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We’re a proud NHS service provider, available nationally as a part of the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme and the NHS Weight Management Programme, where Oviva is offered in select locations across the UK.
Our programmes are also available for free in over 40% of the UK.
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The support is completely free and is offered as part of the NHS. Please note for some programmes you may need to purchase total diet replacement products in place of your normal meals.
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If you are eligible to join, you can be referred by your GP and in some areas you can sign up directly. Eligibility criteria can vary for each programme.
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We are working continuously to make our services available via the NHS all across the UK, however we are not available everywhere yet! If you need support with your health and we are not available in your area, please speak to your GP practice to find out what local services are suitable for you.
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You can choose to take part in the programme using our online resources and communicate with your coach via the app, or you take part via phone calls. You are in control of how you’d like to take part and so you can interact with your personal coach in the best way for you.
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Download the Oviva app via the Android Google Play Store or the Apple AppStore and login using your personal login details sent to you via email. You can also log in by entering your mobile number and date of birth.
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Your Patient Pathway Coordinator will send you an email with your login details and password. Follow the link to www.ovivacoach.com, and copy and paste or type in the 8-letter code in CAPITALS provided in this email.
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You will have lifelong access to the Oviva app, online materials and any printed materials given during the programme to support you in sustaining your healthier lifestyle long after the programme ends.
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Your medical records, including personal information such as name, address, and the content of any communication with your dietitian or coach will be kept strictly confidential and will not be sold to third parties, nor distributed. Please read more about how we keep your data secure in our Privacy Statement.
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Get in touch with one of our team either by telephone on 0207 622 4777, or using our contact form. If you have a medical emergency or an urgent medical matter, please call 999 or NHS 111.
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Do not hesitate to contact our UK Safeguarding Lead, Claire Stephenson on claire.stephenson@oviva.com.
Read our safeguarding strategy here.
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Oviva is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the adults, young people and children who use our services. All staff have a responsibility to report any identified concerns of abuse or exploitation through the appropriate route in line with the respective policies and procedures.
Oviva is dedicated to ensuring that the principles and duties of safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk are consistently, conscientiously, and holistically applied with the wellbeing of all, at the heart of what we do.
Safeguarding means protecting a citizen’s health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality health care. Safeguarding children, young people and adults is a collective responsibility.
Those most in need of protection include:
- Children and young people
- Adults at risk, such as those receiving care in their own home, people with physical, sensory and mental impairments, and those with learning disabilities.
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect at Oviva.
Read our safeguarding strategy here.
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You can get in touch with us by completing our contact form. Please note it may take up to 2 working days to receive a response.
Medical Emergencies
If you have a medical emergency or an urgent medical matter, please call 999 or NHS 111. -
All Oviva dietitians are registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council and our nutritionists are AfN registered. All members of the team undergo regular quality assurance reviews and receive regular training from our Lead Dietitians and Psychologist.