The tie-up, which will mean users who ask their device medical questions such as “Alexa, how do I treat a cold?” or “Alexa, what are the symptoms of flu?” receive answers directly from the official NHS website, will be implemented from this week.

The agreement first came into play last year with more companies such as Microsoft looking to be included in related deals with the health service.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said the NHS was right to “embrace” technology through partnerships like these, adding that he expects it and similar deals to reduce strain on “hard-working GPs and pharmacists”.