Health advice by the phone book

Patients are to receive advice on appropriate use of NHS services in their telephone directories from next month.

Talks are under way between the Department of Health, NHS Direct and phonebook producer Thomson Directories to include self-care advice for patients with minor complaints.

The guidance is due to be launched in telephone directories in south east London next month, before expansion to the rest of the country.

The intention is that by this time next year, 19 million households will receive the information in the directories, which will be standardised across the country.

The DoH confirmed the directories would be launched next month, but would make no further comment. Thomson confirmed talks were ongoing.

The guidance will aim to provide standard advice for patients across a range of minor illnesses, in order to reduce pressure on GP services.