Surgeries in the programme share information on how to improve services, including reducing waiting times by using e-mails and telephone calls to handle patient demand.

BBC: Millions see their GP more swiftly

In America, for instance, employees are increasingly making it a hobby to switch between 401(k) mutual funds over the Internet or by using a toll-free telephone number.

ECONOMIST: Passing the buck | The

A. Assuming the customer has an Orange Wap phone, they can access any of the 14 games simply by using the menu system on the telephone.

BBC: Playing games with Wap

In that market ATM lost out to the rival technology known as Ethernet, but Floyd salvaged Efficient by using ATM to carry DSL signals to a telephone company's central office.

FORBES: Above the fray

Mr Rupert adds that some of its own spaces were damaged by the attacks and some of those locations are using temporary telephone systems until repairs can be made.

BBC: New York's new real estate boom

To be sure, some mental health innovation can also be found in parts of the U.S. Project ECHO, partly funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, is using telephone and Internet technology to link specialists at the University of New Mexico with primary care doctors, community health workers, and health educators in rural parts of the state.

CNN: America has to tackle its suicide problem

People are advised that if they develop flu-like symptoms they should stay at home and check them using the various sources of information supplied - by leaflet, 24-hour telephone information lines or websites.

BBC: More call handlers for swine flu