NHS WEST ESSEX has launched its own page on the social networking site Twitter. The text-based service allows people to receive alerts no longer than 140 characters with links available to other websites. A spokesman said: The idea is to keep people in

NHS WEST ESSEX has launched its own page on the social networking site Twitter.

The text-based service allows people to receive 'alerts' no longer than 140 characters with links available to other websites.

A spokesman said: "The idea is to keep people informed about what we are doing. Twitter is another way to reach our audiences - especially the younger ones who are into texting and using forums such as Twitter to keep in touch.

"We are using Twitter to post headline news from our press releases, and other news, with links to our website."

If you are not already signed up to Twitter you will need to register free of charge.

You can then start to follow our Twitter messages by going to www.twitter.com/nhswestessex and clicking on 'Follow'.