A former chiropodist has swapped foot corns for dot coms and launched an online medical service.

Brighton-based Barry Wright's Mediseek site is designed to let patients find their nearest health practitioners at the touch of a button.

Patients simply tap in their postcode, choose from one of 32 conventional and alternative health services and hit search.

Mr Wright's site lets them know where their nearest practitioner is based, how much they charge and what services they offer.

He began work on the site after selling his interest in a chiropody firm. He has been working on the site since November and launched it earlier this month.

Mr Wright said: "I thought there was a need for a simple health website.

"I didn't want to be too complicated and pretentious about it. The potential is enormous."

Hopes are pinned on the growth in demand for health services from Britain's ageing population.

All practitioners on the site are members of professional health bodies and Mr Wright checks their credentials with these firms.

The bodies are being targeted by Mr Wright to help grow the site.

Firms listed on the site are able to buy web pages to detail their services although basic listings are free.

The site has been designed by Brighton new media firm The Software Department.

Managing director Mike Carey said: "We are expecting 15,000 to 16,000 practitioners to be registered in a couple of months.

"That will take it to another level."

mediseek.co.uk