About Us
The content of this website is owned by PatientLinks Ltd and is managed and reviewed by three editors, all Health Information Professionals, each of whom has many years experience within, or associated with, the National Health Service (NHS). They all willingly give their time and expertise voluntarily. Accredited tools for the critical appraisal of websites are used on this directory and we welcome contributions to the site or queries about resources for disorders not listed.
The intended users of this site are UK residents and we stress that the information provided on PatientLinks is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between site visitor and their doctor. We hope the site will also be useful to health professionals who need a quick reference guide to reliable information for their patients as well as support or helpline resources, or simply to be able to direct a patient to one reliable website that signposts good quality, evidence-based organisations and charities (mostly UK origin) where they (the patient) may do their own research in a safe environment.
PatientLinks, founded in 2007, is a collaborative website that accepts no paid advertising. A team of volunteers regularly check all the links and details of websites that we publish.
We strongly believe in the role that good quality, unbiased information has to play in the empowerment, support and self-management of patients, especially those with long term conditions. Unguided searching on the internet can lead the unwary to misleading and inaccurate information that can be more harmful and distressing than helpful. Our aim is to signpost safe searching.
Anne Jacob, the founder of PatientLinks and creator of this website, has been actively involved in providing Health Information to patients for over 10 years and currently runs a Health Information Centre for a General Practice in Dorset. Anne completed the UCE/Macmillan course 'Health Information Services Management' in 2004 and has written patient information leaflets for use in General Practice and was involved with the concept and writing of two British Medical Association (BMA) Award winning publications for Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She currently serves on several committees at NHS Direct and Poole Hospital, and in 2006 was awarded the NHS Somerset & Dorset 'Unsung Heroes of the NHS' Gold Award in the Volunteer sector.
Judy Jansson began her career in the NHS as a Therapy Radiographer and was for many years involved in providing counselling and support for cancer patients. Since 1998 she has been the Manager of the Health Information Centre at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the first general health information centre to receive some of its funding from Macmillan Cancer Support. The centre uses reliable, accredited health information websites as part of the provision of accurate, up-to-date information for patients. www.poole.nhs.uk/health_information_and_resource_centre/index.asp
Vivienne Grier is a Chartered Librarian and since 1991 has been the Manager of Healthpoint, situated in the Poole Library, which provides health information for people in Dorset. During this time Vivienne has also managed partnerships with various parts of the NHS, such as PCTs and the Health Authority and NHS Direct. She is also widely involved in outreach work with related organisations, such as health and social care, voluntary organisations, etc. www.boroughofpoole.com/directory/categories/ref:C46431D18C9F0D/
The website:
Vibe New Media, a Dorset based multi-media consultancy, has created and hosts the website itself and the database structure behind it; The firm specialises in web design and IT Solutions. We are indebted to them for not only their enthusiastic commitment to the concept of this site, but also donating their time and expertise free of charge as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. Particular thanks to Chris Southgate, Dan Temple and Claire Martindale. www.vibenewmedia.com