NHS Direct to launch on Freeview

Millions can access Freeview

The health advice service NHS Direct is to be made available to 6.4 million homes through a Freeview channel.

Viewers will be able to access an interactive 150-page service on Channel 108, it was announced on Wednesday.

The service will include answers to common health questions, information about NHS services and advice on healthy lifestyles.

A total of 8.4 million households can already access NHS Direct Interactive through Sky Digital.

It is great to see NHS Direct improving access to quality health care information for even more people Lord Warner Health Minister

In all, 2.5 million people currently use NHS Direct every month - with 75% accessing it through the website or digital TV.

The service is expecting this month to be the busiest of the winter. It estimates that most people will call the telephone service on Boxing Day, with the most common complaints being abdominal pain and sore throats.

Health Minister, Lord Warner, said: "It is great to see NHS Direct improving access to quality health care information for even more people.

"NHS Direct has been at the forefront of providing innovative sources of healthcare information since it was launched in 1999.

"It is a reflection of their continuing commitment to improving the nation's health that they will now provide easy access to information for those with Freeview."