Useful websites
Below are a selection of useful websites, including websites for patients and healthcare professionals and library sites.
For healthcare professionals
NHS Evidence
NHS Evidence has recently integrated NHS Health Information Resources (formerly the National Library for Health). NHS Evidence now brings together many useful links, including links to Journals and Databases, NICE Pathways, QIPP, A-Z topics list, and the NHS Evidence search engine.
The Journals and Databases section of NHS Evidence inludes links to nationally purchased NHS e-books, e-journals and clincial databases. You will need an NHS Athens password to access resources such as e-books and clinical databases. For more details about how to register for Athens, change your password or email address, please see the About Athens page.
The NHS Evidence search engine is an easy to use and is designed to help NHS staff find a wide range of clinical and non-clinical information. It searches guidance, Government policy, journals (with an Athens password) and local, regional, national and international information. Searches are ranked according to relevance and quality, with NHS Evidence accredited guidance clearly marked.
Map of Medicine
The Map of Medicine is a tool for clinicians created to improve communication between primary and secondary care. The Map is a visual representation of evidence-based pathways, with locally adapted pathways available in some areas. You will need an NHS Athens password to access all areas of the Map of Medicine.
There is a patient version of the Map, called Map of Medicine Healthguides available on the NHS Choices website.
NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries
Clinical Knowledge Summaries are a reliable source of evidence-based information and practical 'know how' about the common conditions managed in primary care. Please note that from March 2011 CKS is no longer being maintained. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please click on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
TRIP Database
The TRIP Database (Turning Research into Practice) is a clinical tool for finding evidence-based healthcare information.
Department of Health
The Department of Health site contains the latest policy, guidance and publications for NHS and social care professionals.
NICE
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health.
Intute
Intute provides free access to high quality resources on the Internet. Each resource has been evaluated and categorised by subject specialists based at UK universities. There are separate sections for medicine and dentistry, and, nursing, midwifery and allied health. Please note that Intute closed in July 2011, some content will still be available however the site will not be maintained or updated.
The Cochrane Library
The Cochrane Library is a source of high quality systematic reviews on the effects and effectiveness of specific health care interventions and methods of treatment.
The Immunisation Knowledge Hub
The Immunisation Hub is a pilot scheme run by the PCTs Library and Knowledge Service, which aims to keep PCT staff up to date with the latest information and useful resources about immunisation. It gathers together the most recent information from a variety of reliable sources including the Department of Health and e-journals. You can sign up for email updates from the Immunisation Hub, simply enter your email address in the subscribe box in the right hand column on the Immunisation Hub.
Useful Library websites
Shrewsbury and Telford Health Libraries blog
Shrewsbury and Telford Health Libraries have a blog called the Knowledge Source. it is regularly updated with useful information to do with the libraries and the their services.
Library catalogue
This is the catalogue for the four Health Libraries in Shropshire, Telford Health Library, Shrewsbury Health Library, Shelton Library and Francis Costello Library. You can browse all of the titles held and reserve and renew your books online.
Useful websites for patients
Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust
This is the website for the new Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust. The SCHT website contains information about the Trust and the services it provides. This is the interim website until the new Trust website is set up, and feedback regarding what you would like to see on the site is welcomed.
NHS Telford and Wrekin
This is the site for Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust, which provides details about the PCT and the services they commission.
Shropshire County PCT
This is the site for Shropshire County Primary Care Trust, which provides details about the PCT and the services they commission.
NHS Choices
The NHS Choices website includes useful information for patients, including finding and choosing NHS services in your area, Change4Life, NHS Direct, hospital and GP feedback, and a variety of other health-related information and links.
NHS Behind the Headlines
NHS Behind the Headlines, which is part of the NHS Choices website, looks at health-related stories featured in the media and gives an unbaised, evdience-based analysis of the headlines.
Patient UK
Patient UK is a good quality, comprehensive source of health, disease and related information, mainly aimed at the UK general public.
Equip
Equip (Electronic Quality information for the Public) is and NHS gateway to quality health and social care information for the general public in the West Midlands.
Map of Medicine Healthguides
Map of Medicine Healthguides shows patients the ideal, evidence-based patient journey for common and important conditions. It is a high-level overview that can be shared by patients and healthcare providers. It was written and designed in response to feedback from patients and allows patients to see what their clinician sees. Healthguides has been simplified to ensure that patients can find information in the pathway without having to understand its clinical context.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan provides quality assured, up-to-date cancer information for patients, relatives and carers.