U3A members are invited to attend a 1.5 hour free session in the computer training room of Allendale House.  Led by Anne Jacob, an expert on accessing reliable health information online, the NHS health information session will be about the perils of mis-information, inappropriate information (it might be about a treatment only available in particular countries, for instance) as well as where to go that is safe and reliable. What evidence base and critical appraisal means and techniques for identifying web sites that are safe. There will be exercises in finding information.  The NHS Choices web site www.nhs.uk would be included.  Please contact us for further information.

Anne Jacob, the founder of PatientLinks 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 (Hadleigh, Corfe Mullen).  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 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.