As a key stream in the Department of Health’s communications and delivery strategy, the NHS Choices digital information service (http://www.nhs.uk) is the “front-door” for communicating with citizens and stakeholders in healthcare, health improvement and social care, the public and the media. It delivers accessible, relevant and authoritative content on health and social care policy that supports our audiences’ needs and is an accurate and trusted source of policy, guidance, publications and statistics.

On 11th November 2008, the Department of Health signed a contract with Capita Group PLC to drive forward the NHS Choices service for the next three years. This investment shows the Department of Health’s commitment to secure the ongoing delivery and development of NHS/Department of Health digital services to the public.

Gary Ashby, Department of Health Programme Director of NHS Choices said “Our partnership with Capita will ensure that the development of the NHS Choices digital service will continue to fulfil the NHS Choices vision. NHS Choices will be at the heart of the new relationship between the NHS and the communities it serves – empowering people to make informed decisions about health and care.”

- Ends-

Notes to Editors

For further information please contact NHS Choices on 0207 972 1812

NHS Choices is a online service designed to provide patients, carers and the public with all the information they need to stay healthy and to make decisions about the health and care services they need. Developed by the Department of Health in conjunction with health professionals, NHS Choices is fulfilling the transformational government agenda and meeting the needs of a 21st-century service in health and social care.

More information can be found at http://www.nhs.uk