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The Welsh Assembly Government has pledged a further £1.7 million to fund an online health service which allows patients to book appointments with their GPs and order repeat prescriptions.

The My Health Online website is still in development but has been subjected to local trials in Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Bridgend with a view to rolling the service out across Wales.

Health minister Edwina Hart said that the online service would provide a wealth of instant information, including medical records, for those in isolated communities saving the need for people to make often lengthy journeys to see their local GP.

Mrs Hart said: "The demand for online GP services is increasing and we recognise that providing accessible information is critical if we want to enable people to change their lifestyles and improve their health.

"The Welsh Assembly Government is also committed to improving access to health services for people living in rural communities. My Health Online will particularly save lengthy journeys to GP practices.

"The website will also help empower people to take responsibility for their own health through the completion of a health diary which can be shared with their GP."

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