NHSScotland is using a new text message service to ensure patient waiting lists are up to date and that patients still need their appointments or surgery. Some Ayrshire patients on the waiting list for surgery will get a text message starting from 2 November 2023.
This service will be delivered by the NHSScotland National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) in partnership with the digital solutions provider, DrDoctor.
Joanne Edwards, Director of Acute Services, explains: “This new service will help us understand if patients’ needs have changed. It allows us to contact large cohorts of patients at once to find out if they still need an appointment or operation.
“Using this text service means that we reduce the number of phone calls our teams need to make to validate our waiting lists. It reduces printing and postage costs associated with sending letters. And it allows patients to comment on their needs when requesting to stay or be removed from the waiting list, improving communication and engagement.”
NHS Ayrshire & Arran patients who are waiting for an operation and were added to the waiting list for surgery between 1 September 2022 and 30 April 2023, will receive a text message from the NHS Scotland National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) on mobile number 07860 039092.
This will include a link to a short survey asking if patients if they still need their operation, followed by a few questions to confirm their identity. People who are answering the survey on behalf of someone else must provide the patient’s details at this stage.
Joanne Edwards adds: “If you are waiting for an operation, please do not ignore this message. Click on the link in your message to complete the survey and follow the simple instructions.
“The information gathered will only be used to manage our waiting lists, and all information shared will be kept safe and secure.”
The National Elective Coordination Unit adheres to NHSScotland clinical and information governance standards, policies and procedures.
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 helping 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.