At MediCom Solutions, we specialise in pharmaceutical compliance and medical content, partnering with pharmaceutical companies to uphold the highest standards across materials intended for both healthcare professionals and the public. Our team includes healthcare professionals and experienced medical writers, who bring valuable clinical insight and clarity to all our work, from concept development, reviewing and approving materials aligned with industry frameworks such as the ABPI Code of Practice, through to supporting publications and writing a wide variety of medical content.
Recently, we have supported clients in creating a growing volume of patient and public-facing health information. This prompted us to create this blog: a guide to a few reliable sources of health information available to the UK public.
With so much content available online, it’s crucial that the public be directed toward trustworthy sources. Like many in the healthcare and medical space, we are often approached by friends and family seeking all sorts of advice on what they may have read online. Not all health information found on the internet is accurate, evidence-based, or appropriate. That’s why it’s essential that people use credible websites that provide clear, up-to-date content aligned with national health guidance.
In this article, we highlight some trusted UK websites that offer high-quality healthcare information to help and support patients and the public in making informed health decisions.
At MediCom Solutions, we not only review and approve patient materials but also advise pharmaceutical companies on how to communicate health information clearly and compliantly. Our experience means we understand where patients seek information, and how to ensure that content remains factual, balanced, and within regulatory standards.
The NHS website is a government-run platform providing comprehensive, plain-English information on symptoms, conditions, treatments, medicines, and when to seek medical advice. Reviewed by clinical experts and regularly updated, it remains a widely recognised resource for general health information.
The NHS Medicines A–Z provides accessible, plain-English information about a wide range of licensed medicines in the UK. It includes details on how medicines work, commonly reported side effects, and relevant usage guidance. This public resource is designed to support general awareness and understanding of prescribed medicines.
This site, while not part of the NHS, is widely used by GPs and pharmacists. It offers clinically reviewed leaflets, often used in consultations. The language is patient-friendly but grounded in current medical guidance. It’s particularly helpful for patients seeking further information after a healthcare appointment.
Patient.info allows users to revisit and clarify information discussed with healthcare professionals, supporting general understanding of conditions and health-related topics.
Charity and Patient Support Websites
Condition-specific charities such as Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, or the British Heart Foundation offer excellent, patient-focused content. They often include videos, helplines, downloadable guides, and real-life stories that help patients and families feel supported beyond the clinical setting.
These websites provide emotional support and practical advice, helping patients feel less isolated and better equipped to manage their conditions.
Disease Awareness Campaigns and Information for Patients produced by Pharma companies
Pharmaceutical companies are permitted to develop and distribute disease awareness materials, provided they are factual, balanced, and focused on health information relating to a specific disease and its management. At MediCom Solutions, we have been involved in many, for past and current clients, and it has been rewarding to see the quality and clarity of these educational resources.
In line with MHRA and ABPI guidance, disease awareness materials are not intended to promote or highlight a specific prescription medicine. However, they are intended to support the public or patients in better understanding a particular medical condition, its symptoms, and when to seek medical advice.
Clear, well-written content is essential to ensure that patients can easily understand the information and feel confident in what they read. These materials undergo robust review and approval prior to being distributed widely, and content is backed with credible reference sources.
As compliance experts, we know that providing health information to the public must always be done responsibly. While other websites are trusted resources, pharmaceutical companies producing disease awareness materials must also ensure their content remains strictly educational and does not promote prescription medicines.
Separately, pharmaceutical companies often develop and provide literature information for healthcare professionals to share with patients, to support understanding and appropriate use of a particular medicine after it has been prescribed to them.
A Note of Caution…
Many people turn to social media to learn more about health, and it’s encouraging to see so many healthcare professionals sharing clear and helpful information in various ways. However, not everything online is reliable, and it can be hard to tell what’s true and what isn’t, especially when posts come from people who aren’t medically trained or share personal stories that don’t apply to everyone. This is a complex area that requires careful judgement.
We always encourage people to check whether content is backed by evidence, comes from a credible source, and follows recognised health guidance.
Credible content on social media can support understanding, but it should never replace the advice given by a doctor or a healthcare team.
Patients should avoid relying on some social media, online forums, or commercial health websites. While anecdotal experiences can be valuable, they should never replace professional medical advice.
The information provided here is intended as general guidance on trusted online resources. It is not exhaustive, and there are many other valuable sources available. Patients should always seek and follow the advice of their healthcare providers as the primary source of guidance.
Final Thoughts…
Access to reliable health information empowers people to take an active role in their care. As professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, we share a responsibility to help patients find trusted resources and avoid misinformation. When patients feel confident in the information they receive, it supports more effective, collaborative care with their healthcare teams.
Improving patient outcomes is central to everything we do at MediCom Solutions. We support pharmaceutical companies in developing and reviewing materials for the public, patients, and healthcare professionals to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance.
If you’re working on materials that need expert compliance review and clear, high-quality content, we’re here to help.
info@medicomsolutions.co.uk.
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