Useful Websites

There are many websites on the internet providing information on health care issues. These can be of variable quality and may have hidden agendas (such as pharmaceutical companies promoting their own products) so make sure you know who has set up the site.

Here are just a few that you may like to have a look at:

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Advice on how to access NHS services and information about different illnesses. It also explains many tests and treatments.

www.cancerbacup.org.uk
CancerBACUP is a registered charity. This site provides up-to-date information, practical advice and support to cancer patients and their families and other carers.

www.dh.gov.uk
Information on government health policies.

www.patient.co.uk
Useful for general health matters.

www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk
This site tells you about all the NHS screening programs. It also explains the forthcoming bowel cancer screening program which is due to start in April 2006 targeting all men and women aged 60-69. From now on women aged 25 & over will be called for a smear.

www.nice.org.uk
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) was set up by the government as an independent body to provide national guidance on the promotion of good health. This site is predominantly aimed at clinicians but you may be interested to see the research behind the treatments recommended by your doctor.

www.masta.org
This site is likely to be extremely helpful to anyone planning to travel abroad. It advises on immunisations and malaria prophylaxis. Remember to check well in advance of your trip!

There are, of course, millions of other sites. You’ll find that some of those listed above provide links which may also be useful.

Happy surfing!