The NHS is looking to improve patients’ ability to interact with health providers using the web, after awarding a three-year £60m contract to supplier Capita to develop its online offerings.

The Department of Health hopes the NHS Choices web site will be the new “front door” for patient contact, ensuring patients are better informed about health issues and the healthcare options open to them.

NHS leaders hope that by providing more comprehensive patient information they can reduce the pressure of overburdened hospitals and GP surgeries.

Gary Ashby, Department of Health programme director of NHS Choices, said the contract was a key part of the ongoing transformation of the health service.

“Our partnership with Capita will ensure that the development of the NHS Choices digital service will continue to fulfil the NHS Choices vision,” he said.

“NHS Choices will be at the heart of the new relationship between the NHS and the communities it serves ­ empowering people to make informed decisions about health and care.”

NHS Choices is an online service designed to provide patients, carers and the public with health advice and information, as well as details that can help them make decisions about the health and care services they need, including comparative information on hospitals.

The site was conceived as part of the transformational government agenda to provide more services to the public online, and to shape services around the needs of the citizen.

Capita will be responsible for the hosting, technical and content development of the NHS online presence and related digital services, with a focus on innovative engagement with citizens through technologies such as social networking.

As part of the contract Capita will roll alternative health information web site NHS Direct into NHS Choices to streamline online services.

Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said the move will make it easier for the public to find reliable information.

“By putting all our online health information on www.nhs.uk, the public will easily be able to find out the most suitable health options for them, from where to have their treatment to the best ways of keeping fit and healthy,” he said.

Last month, five NHS Trusts ended payroll contracts with Capita two years early after delayed and inaccurate payments prompted them to look for another supplier.