NHS Direct launch interactive videos on Sky

NHS Direct are launching new ‘life education’ videos on their Sky Digital interactive service tackling issues including anger management and sex education.

The service will be available to almost nine million viewers and will be added to the existing 3000 pages of information on 500 health topics available to viewers by pushing the red button.

Videos on anger management, talking to children about sex, healthy eating, exercise, childbirth and pregnancy will be shown as part of a series of videos looking at recovering from ‘the stresses and strains of life in the 21st century’.

Helen Young, executive clinical director and chief nurse for NHS Direct said: “We chose these topics based on feedback from users and have produced them in an easy to use way that gives people a combination of information, practical tips and advice.

“So for example, expert views are mixed with comments, tips and opinions from members of the public. Some of the topics have introductions that give an overview, followed by various scenarios presented in an informative and entertaining way. Others, like the healthy eating and exercise videos give clear advice and straightforward, no nonsense information to suit different lifestyles.”

Celebrities have been commissioned to front the videos, including psychologist Dr Stephen Briers, of GMTV and Little Angels fame, who fronts the anger management video.

Young added: “With each scene comes tips on how to recognise the danger signs and develop coping mechanisms. Each clip is then re-enacted using the advice and showing how behaviour changes as a result. The videos are designed to support NHS Direct’s aim of giving people information and advice to help them make decisions about their health.

“We want to help people to look after themselves at home where possible but also to know when and where to go for further expert advice. Our Digital TV panel – made up of experts and public volunteers will be measuring how effective and useful the videos are with a view to adding further topics and including them on our website in the near future.”

The service will not be available to Freeview viewers due to technical limitations on the bandwidth of the clips.

Links

NHS Direct