NHS Choices helps users make choices about their health, take lifestyle decisions about issues such as smoking, drinking and exercise; and use NHS services. NHS Direct operates a 24-hour health advice and information service, providing information on health conditions and treatments, local healthcare services, self-help and support organisations.
With the integration, the services of NHS Direct are now available on NHS Choices. A single website enables users choose a hospital or know more about their symptoms. They can access self-help guides, comparative information on hospitals, guides to long-term conditions, and practice profiles to find GPs.
The ‘compare hospitals’ option on the website enables patients to compare hospitals by selecting their postcode and treatment required. The site provides information on the performance of various hospitals. Patients can also rate hospitals and share their opinion on the facilities available there.
NHS Guides provides a guide to prevent or to live with a particular condition. Health A-Z explains more than 700 conditions and treatments in words and videos. Health Encyclopaedia gives information on more than 800 conditions and treatments.
Users can make common health queries. The online enquiry service enables users to submit and receive answers to non-emergency health questions.
Ben Bradshaw, health minister, said: “By putting all our online health information on www.nhs.uk, the public will be able to easily find out the most suitable health options for them, from where to have their treatment to the best ways of keeping fit and healthy.”
