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April 2004
Thomson Directories Ltd, publishers of Thomson Local, has announced a unique partnership with the Department of Health and NHS Direct, which reflects its role in the community, throughout the country.
As from April 2004, new editions of the Thomson Local in England will feature a 64 page self-help guide based on NHS Direct's popular ‘Not feeling well?' publication. By April 2005, more than 18 million households will have received their copy of the newly expanded Thomson Local, giving NHS Direct healthcare advice and information its widest distribution to date.
Minister of State for Health Rosie Winterton said:
“This guide will equip people with the information they need to make healthcare decisions. There are now more healthcare options available than ever before, and by making the right choice at the right time, people will get the fastest, best possible treatment.
“Almost 90% of respondents to the Choice Consultation Survey told us that they needed more information in order to make decisions and choices about their treatment or care. This initiative is an important step in responding to people's needs.”
This is the first time such a partnership has been forged between a directory publisher and the Department of Health, and coincides with the rollout new improved Thomson Local directories for 2004/5.
A major addition to the new style directory is ‘Localplus', a new section devoted to lifestyle information which covers areas within the scope of the directory but also contains information from further afield such as theme parks, designer outlets and airports. Localplus users can discover which are the best performing schools in the local area, check on their local council tax band and even find out where the highest crime rates are. And for people on the move, the Property section provides a price guide and all the necessary contact points. This is also available in more depth online at www.thomsonlocal.com.
“The inclusion of new sections such as the NHS Self Help Guide and Localplus is making the Thomson Local and even more useful information source. In turn, this will lead to greater overall exposure and value for our advertisers”, says Kendall Gordon, Marketing and Strategic Development Director for Thomson Directories.
The new look Thomson Local also features town centre maps which have been expanded to cover a larger area. The A-Z of businesses section now includes web addresses and the classified section has a brand new look. In a number of areas, users can also take advantage of a free bookmark which makes for even easier information referencing.
“The Thomson Local has evolved into an essential reference tool to meet the demands of today's very varied lifestyles”, says Gordon. “For Internet users, further in-depth information and much more can be can be accessed online at www.thomsonlocal.com”.
For further information please contact our press office.
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