An interactive map of Wales, directory of local health services and bilingual guide to symptoms and health conditions all feature in the revamped NHS Direct website for Wales
A new look NHS Direct Wales website makes finding information about health easier.
The consumer health website for Wales has added a new search function for all local services, which allows the public to search for GP’s, Dentists, Opticians, Pharmacies, Sexual Health clinics, Hospitals and Health, Wellbeing and Support services throughout Wales. The new search allows you to look for services in different ways and by using a new interactive map of Wales. The local services section also has Frequently Asked Questions and useful links in relation to each NHS Service. The contact details of your chosen service can be text free of charge to your mobile phone; you can also get directions to each service from your post code. The fresh new design aims to make it easier for the public to find information about health that’s helpful. The website can help those who are well, stay fit and healthy and support people to make changes to improve their lifestyle; and those who are living with long term conditions manage their conditions better. Leanne Hawker, Partners in Healthcare Lead for the Welsh Ambulance Service and NHS Direct Wales says “We know that people want to get information they can trust from the internet to help them make personal decisions about their own health and this website should be the first place they look.” Other features of the website include: * A bilingual A-Z Encyclopaedia of conditions and treatments. You can search by letter or by using our interactive body map * A detailed health information section * An Online Enquiry Service where you can e-mail your health related enquiry to our Health Information Specialists who will research your enquiry and provide you with high quality sources of information. Individuals with specific enquiries can email for an electronic Information Prescription Pack tailor-made to their condition. This will give them information to help understand and live with their illness, whilst empowering them to make the right decisions about their own health. * A DIY Information Prescription facility to help people with long term conditions manage their conditions better. Topics covered include conditions such as Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes and Heart Disease. Patients and carers can choose and select relevant information about the condition and local services suitable to their needs as well as locate sources of self help and support in their local area. The new NHS Direct Wales website was launched in 2007, the changes were part of a larger Informing Healthcare initiative to improve access to information needed by patients, public and health professionals.
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