Patient Information Forum

News & Events > Sourcing health information

The end of NHS Direct?

02 September 2010
News & Events > Sourcing health information

According to a reports by a number of news sources this week, the Health Secretary has confirmed plans to replace the NHS Direct telephone service with the new 1-1-1 helpline that is currently being piloted in North East England. News of the abolition has sparked a huge row, with Lord Prescott setting up an internet campaign to trigger a debate in Parliament about the move, which many critics have portrayed as a purely cost-cutting measure.

NHS Direct launches female sexual health tool

13 August 2010
News & Events > Sourcing health information

A new female sexual health online symptom checker is now available from NHS Direct. Visitors to the site answer a series of questions and are then given self-care advice so that they can manage their symptoms, or a recommendation to visit their GP, local accident and emergency department or sexual health clinic.

Information leaflet on malaria for travellers

13 August 2010
News & Events > Sourcing health information

81 per cent of malaria cases in UK residents are from visiting friends and family abroad. The main sufferers are British travellers of African descent who are not protecting themselves when they travel to visit friends and family abroad. To address these issues the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has produced information on malaria for people travelling overseas. The leaflet focuses on prevention and uses the ABCD approach (be Aware of the risks; use Bite prevention; take Chemoprophylaxis; seek early Diagnosis.

NHS website for young people with cancer

05 August 2010
News & Events > Sourcing health information

NHS Choices has launched a new website offering young people (19-24 years) recently diagnosed with cancer an informed choice in their place of care. The site has been developed with young people who have been diagnosed with cancer and contains information about cancer, personal stories and information about treatment centres.

NHS Inform launches in Scotland

05 August 2010
News & Events > Sourcing health information

NHS Inform launched in Scotland this week - it's a three-tiered service, featuring a phone line, website and face-to-face advice. It will bring health information from all sections of the NHS in Scotland together for the first time. The NHS inform service will include information on health conditions, health zones and information about local services.