1. Using Twitter

2. Introduction
Twitter is a microblogging site that lets you send short updates or 'Tweets' to let your followers know what you're up to.
Great for staying up to date with current events, breaking news and the latest trends.

3. Why use Twitter
Means you can engage directly with all stakeholder groups
Improve staff engagement
Stay in touch with other Trusts
Manage relationships
Share best practice with other Trusts and experts

4. What are Tweets
Tweets are short comments you post on your profile for your followers and the world to see. 
You only get 140 characters to say what you want.
Speak directly to other users or tell the world

5. How to Tweet 'Tweet' is a post 'Mention' use @ to mention another user
'Twitter handle' Your username
'DM' is a direct message - inmail
'RT' is a ReTweet – repost a comment
'Hash tag' #healthcare
'Tweet' is an update you post on your profile in no more than 140 characters.
'Mention' is a way of connecting with other Twitter users to include them in the conversation. You connect and then their Twitter handle
'Twitter handle' is your username 'southern_NHSFT'
'DM' is a direct message. You can send these if you don't want everyone to see you're conversation.
'RT' is a ReTweet, you can use this to repeat what another user has posted. There is also a button to retweet posts.
'Hash tag' makes your comment viewable to anyone who also searches for that tag. It's a great way of increasing your followers and finding discussions on interesting topics. e.g #dementia will make your post visible to users searching for that tag.

6. Example
Our very own super nurse Margaret Topping, shortlisted for My Super Nurse awards #MSAwarenessweek (135 characters) – all links 22 characters

7. Who sees my posts A Tweet – everyone A Mention – everyone
Direct message – user only
Hashtag – everyone and anyone who searches that tag
Private profile – you can keep your tweets private, but this makes it difficult to engage new followers
Twitter makes the world a smaller place by allowing you to connect to anyone and everyone. If you know their Twitter handle, you can mention them in your Tweet to get your attention. 
Generally, your tweets can be seen by anyone. If you've used a hash tag to promote your comment, you've just broadened your audience to the whole world. 
You can keep your posts private, which means you'll get to approve who will see your posts. If you want to do this, update your Twitter settings.

8. Be safe online Personal details Audience Laws Policy
Information Governance Compliance Policy (SH IG 17) 
Data Protection, Caldicott & Confidentiality Policy (SH IG 18) 
Internet and Acceptable Use Policy (IG 1)
Bullying and Harassment Policy (SH HR 10)
Social media is protected by law. Laws surrounding harassment, discrimination, defamation and confidentiality still apply online and are taken very seriously.
Whether your profile is restricted or not, you can't post something that: 
Brings the Trust into disrepute
Breaches patient or service user confidentiality
May be considered as harassment or bullying
Promotes illegal acts
Involves threats or violence
Promotes racial or religious hatred or unfair discrimination