The latest phase of the waiting list validation work being carried out by NHS Ayrshire & Arran and the National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) will see a group of local dermatology patients contacted by text.
The messages from mobile number 07860 039092 will begin later this week (3 February 2025) and will prompt dermatology patients to complete a short questionnaire regarding their condition. The information will be used as part of a triage system and patients will also be invited to attend an appointment to capture an image of their skin issue.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Director of Acute Services Vicki Campbell, explains:
“NECU supports local NHS Boards to ensure that information held on NHS Scotland waiting lists is accurate, and this latest phase of contact with dermatology patients here in Ayrshire will help us to prioritise care and ensure that those who have been waiting will progress to the correct pathways and treatment if required.
“If you are a dermatology patient living in Ayrshire, and have been referred in by your GP because of a skin lesion, you should expect to receive a text message requesting you complete a questionnaire which will ask you to provide more information about your skin condition. Please do not ignore this message, click on the link and complete the questionnaire following the instructions.
“We want to reassure our patients that the information gathered will only be used to manage out waiting lists and all information shared will be kept safe and secure.
“Following on from the questionnaire, if appropriate, patients will be invited to attend an image capture appointment at one of our Ayrshire clinics over the next few months.
“We appreciate some people have been on the waiting lists for our Dermatology Service longer than we would have liked. Colleagues at the NHS Scotland National Elective Coordination Unit are supporting us to reach these patients and prioritise their care based on information provided.”
This service is delivered in partnership with the digital solutions provider, DrDoctor. Patients will receive a text message from the NHS Scotland National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) on mobile number 07860 039092.
For more information on the waiting list validation text message service, visit https://www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/waiting-list-validation-information-for-patients/
Background information:
As part of NHS Golden Jubilee, the National Elective Coordination Unit adheres to all NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Scotland clinical and information governance standards, policies and procedures.
Data will be shared in line with the Intra NHS Scotland Sharing Accord and associated Directorate Letter setting out the need for seamless data flow to support cross boundary working and patient care.
NHS Golden Jubilee has signed a Data Processing Agreement with the supplier on behalf of the National Elective Coordination Unit.
The National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) was established by the Scottish Government to support national waiting times recovery.
Hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery at NHS Golden Jubilee, NECU supports local NHS Boards to ensure that information held on NHS Scotland waiting lists is accurate and helps us to reallocate any appointments that are no longer needed to others on the waiting list.
For more information visit the dedicated National Elective Coordination Unit page on the Centre for Sustainable Delivery website: https://www.nhscfsd.co.uk/our-work/national-elective-coordination-unit/