An online tool that helps people find sexual health services in their area attracts over a third more visits after a bank holiday, according to NHS England which runs the website.

Page visits increased from an average of 5,387 in the day following bank holidays in May, June and August last year to 7,414 visits this year. NHSE said that equated to one visit every 12 seconds.

The resource allows people to look for a sexual health clinic by entering their town, city or postcode. Once the details have been entered, the tool displays a list of places providing support including contact details and directions.

NHSE said there were 6,840 visits to the page during last year’s May Day bank holiday on May 3, 2022, 7,628 visits on June 6 and 7,774 visits on August 30.

Robert Cleary, NHSE’s content director for the NHS website, said: “Our ‘Find a sexual health clinic’ page is designed to help people search for the most appropriate service to meet their health needs, within their local area.

“The NHS website is available every day of the year for anyone who needs it and provides information and advice in easy-to-understand language on a wide range of conditions, making it accessible for all and easy for people to receive health advice and support from a trustworthy source.”