As Maureen describes how the severe pain in her joints makes it hard to do housework, Amanda Cooper listens sympathetically at the other end of the line while gently steering the conversation in a new direction. Glancing at the case notes on her computer screen, she says: “You know, you should try to move around regularly because of your arthritis, to keep the blood flowing and get oxygen to the heart.”

The two women have never met but are talking by telephone as part of a pioneering programme designed to help people with diabetes, cardiovascular and other health conditions. In the course of a 20 minute chat, they touch on exercise, taking medicines and diet, with the patient taking the lead.