This was not an attempt to win big ratings but to do something bold and innovative

BBC spokeswoman

Programmes about the current state and future of the NHS, under the banner Your NHS, were run on BBC TV and radio throughout Wednesday.

The BBC also encouraged the audience to take part in the day's events by sending e-mails and text messages.

And they were also given the opportunity to vote in a poll to find out what they would most improved about the NHS.

'Delighted'

But it was from 1930 GMT that BBC One ran its main programmes debating the issues, in a number of special features.

BBC One drew its maximum number of viewers at 1930 GMT, when 4.4 million watched Nicky Campbell, Fiona Bruce and Peter Snow talking live to staff and patients at London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

But this was still three million behind ITV1 at the same time.

But the BBC said it was "delighted" with the way the day's coverage had gone.

The debate with Tony Blair was a key part of the day

"This was not an attempt to win big ratings but to do something bold and innovative," said a BBC spokeswoman.

"Many millions of people took part, voting online in our poll, texting and watching coverage throughout the day."

Overall, the BBC said it had received 5,000 emails and 3,000 text messages from the public about the NHS.

Winners

By 2235 GMT the ratings for BBC One had dropped to 2.5 million while ITV1 had an average of 5.3 million for The Bill, which began at 2100 GMT.

BBC Two and Channel 4 also benefited from the fact that less people were watching BBC One than usual in the evening.

Channel 4's Location, Location, Location attracted 3.5 million viewers between 2030 GMT and 2100 GMT.

And BBC Two's Life Laundry and movie Liam had an average of 3.3 million people watching between 2030 GMT and 2230 GMT.