Hospital pioneers text appointments system
letter.
By entering their date of birth, they can read it and, if they need to talk about their appointment for any reason they can then do so anytime and anywhere by using the phone or any other device linked to it such as a tablet or computer.
Details can also be emailed and printed off.
If the link is not accessed within 24 hours of the text being received, a paper letterisautomaticallysentby post the next day.
Using apps, patients who are blind or partially-sighted can hear the letters read out loud and the letters can be translated into 99 different languages – supporting people for whom English is not their first language.
Digital letters reduce use of paper and printing equipment and all money saved on postage is being invested back into patient care.
Laura Bond, head of outpatients and clinical administration, said: “Digital delivery is instant and patients can see and control their appointments at the touch of a button.
“Having an appointment booking system compatible with the busy lifestyles of many of our patients will further reduce non- attendance and wasted appointments.
“That means patients can be seen quicker and services run more efficiently.
“They can confirm the appointment in one click and add it to their digital calendar as a reminder. keeping their treatment on track by reducing the risk of them forgetting the appointment.
“If they need to cancel, the appointment can quickly be released for another patient on the waiting list.”
She added: Patients who prefer to receive a letter by post will still do so.
“Anyone wishing to opt out of receiving their outpatient letters digitally can let the receptionist at their next appointment or ring the number which they will find on the top of their appointment letter.”