Menu
05/04/2004
NHS website to offer better informed health advice
Millions of Britons will be able to get up-to-the-minute health advice at the click of a mouse, following a joint venture between the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and NHS Direct Online.
The BMJ's 'Best Treatments' provides information on the most common health conditions, including explanations of the pros and cons of surgery procedures, details of other treatments available, and advice on care before and after operations. It also offers information on treatments for chronic conditions, like asthma and diabetes, ranking them according to effectiveness and highlighting the risks and benefits of each.
The Department of Health has been working with the BMJ to make this information available online and it is now live on the NHS Direct website.
The venture will give patients the same information as doctors, in jargon-free language, which will help make informed choices about healthcare.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: "We are working to provide a modern, flexible NHS that fits around patients' needs and meets their expectations. We know that patients would like more information to support them in making decisions about their healthcare. This is an important step in providing patients with the resources they need to make informed choices."
Best Treatments is based on Clinical Evidence, a print and web-based resource used by health professionals. There are plans to translate some of the information into minority community languages, the department said.
The new resource builds on the information already available on the NHS Direct Online website. This includes a self-help guide to treating common health problems at home; an encyclopaedia of health topics; frequently asked questions; a searchable database of local health services, and an online service for requesting health information.
The NHS Direct Online website has received more than 6 million visits in the last year, an increase of 50% on the previous year.
(gmcg)
The BMJ's 'Best Treatments' provides information on the most common health conditions, including explanations of the pros and cons of surgery procedures, details of other treatments available, and advice on care before and after operations. It also offers information on treatments for chronic conditions, like asthma and diabetes, ranking them according to effectiveness and highlighting the risks and benefits of each.
The Department of Health has been working with the BMJ to make this information available online and it is now live on the NHS Direct website.
The venture will give patients the same information as doctors, in jargon-free language, which will help make informed choices about healthcare.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: "We are working to provide a modern, flexible NHS that fits around patients' needs and meets their expectations. We know that patients would like more information to support them in making decisions about their healthcare. This is an important step in providing patients with the resources they need to make informed choices."
Best Treatments is based on Clinical Evidence, a print and web-based resource used by health professionals. There are plans to translate some of the information into minority community languages, the department said.
The new resource builds on the information already available on the NHS Direct Online website. This includes a self-help guide to treating common health problems at home; an encyclopaedia of health topics; frequently asked questions; a searchable database of local health services, and an online service for requesting health information.
The NHS Direct Online website has received more than 6 million visits in the last year, an increase of 50% on the previous year.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 July 2015
Monorail Breaks Down At Alton Towers
A total of 80 people were left stuck for an hour after two monorail trains broke down at Alton Towers on Wednesday. The incident happened at around 5.25pm. Also on Wednesday, the theme park's Air rollercoaster was also temporarily stopped on Wednesday afternoon, with some people stranded upside down on the ride for 20 minutes.
Monorail Breaks Down At Alton Towers
A total of 80 people were left stuck for an hour after two monorail trains broke down at Alton Towers on Wednesday. The incident happened at around 5.25pm. Also on Wednesday, the theme park's Air rollercoaster was also temporarily stopped on Wednesday afternoon, with some people stranded upside down on the ride for 20 minutes.
03 February 2015
Redknapp Resigns As Manager Of QPR
Harry Redknapp is to resign as manager of Queens Park Rangers (QPR). Redknapp, who joined the club in November 2012, informed Chairman Tony Fernandes of his decision to resign this morning. He is due to undergo knee replacement surgery in the coming weeks. Redknapp told www.qpr.co.uk: "I have had such a fantastic time at QPR.
Redknapp Resigns As Manager Of QPR
Harry Redknapp is to resign as manager of Queens Park Rangers (QPR). Redknapp, who joined the club in November 2012, informed Chairman Tony Fernandes of his decision to resign this morning. He is due to undergo knee replacement surgery in the coming weeks. Redknapp told www.qpr.co.uk: "I have had such a fantastic time at QPR.
29 January 2010
BMJ Issues Guidelines On Privacy
Guidance just published on the British Medical Journal's website, bmj.com sets out how personal information from clinical trials should be shared to help minimise risks to patient privacy.
BMJ Issues Guidelines On Privacy
Guidance just published on the British Medical Journal's website, bmj.com sets out how personal information from clinical trials should be shared to help minimise risks to patient privacy.
23 June 2003
Dentistry plans set to give customers more choice
New measures to force private dentists to provide clearer information on prices and treatments to help patients make informed choices and increase competition, have been announced by the government today.
Dentistry plans set to give customers more choice
New measures to force private dentists to provide clearer information on prices and treatments to help patients make informed choices and increase competition, have been announced by the government today.
06 January 2011
UK Swine Flu Deaths Reach 50
Deaths from the H1Ni1 swine flu virus continue to increase as workers return after the New Year break and infection spreads. The latest figures from the Health Protection Agency show 11 more people across the UK have died from flu this winter, taking the total to 50. Of these, 45 died with swine flu and five with another strain, flu type B.
UK Swine Flu Deaths Reach 50
Deaths from the H1Ni1 swine flu virus continue to increase as workers return after the New Year break and infection spreads. The latest figures from the Health Protection Agency show 11 more people across the UK have died from flu this winter, taking the total to 50. Of these, 45 died with swine flu and five with another strain, flu type B.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
