AN innovative pilot scheme to help reduce the numbers of local people missing NHS appointments in the Warrington area is about to launch.
The new reminder service will reduce patient waiting times and the number of appointments missed has been developed by Warrington’s Community Service Unit.
An SMS message will be sent five days in advance to remind patients of their upcoming appointment. The automated system will provide the patient with an opportunity to respond by confirming, rescheduling or cancelling the appointment. If a patient is unable to attend, the time can then be offered to another patient waiting for an appointment.
A spokesperson forNHS Warrington’s Community Service Unit said: “Text messages are proven to be an effective method of communicating with patients. By launching this pilot service we hope to improve patient experience, whilst reducing the cost and time implications associated with patients who fail to attend.”
The pilot scheme will launch May 3 but will only be available to patients who have subscribed to the service. It hopes to reduce the number of missed appointments, as last year 16,775 patients in Warrington did not attend their scheduled appointments.
For more information and for details about how to sign up please contact the local clinic.
AN innovative pilot scheme to help reduce the numbers of local people
missing NHS appointments in the Warrington area is about to launch.
NHS reminders by text
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
