AN NHS advice website designed to help sick people online had a record number of visitors with more than 400 hits every hour last month, figures reveal.

The NHS Direct Wales website gives tailored advice on illnesses and ailments using symptom checkers for conditions like coughs, diarrhoea and ear problems.

Patients can also learn more about their general health through an A to Z encyclopaedia and can even search for GPs, dentists, pharmacies and support groups in their area.

Official statistics show the site had 259,140 visits in August, 224,480 in September, 241,784 in October and a record 290,860 last month – equivalent to 403 hits every hour.

The Welsh Ambulance Service runs the leading advice website.

Welsh Ambulance Service medical director Paul Hughes said: “As well as providing confidential health advice to the people of Wales, NHS Direct Wales is designed to signpost the public towards the right service for their healthcare needs.

“We are delighted with the record number of visits to the website and with the enthusiasm and the uptake of this service by the people of Wales.”