NHS Scotland is rolling out a new text message service to make sure that their waiting lists are up to date, and check whether patients still need their appointments or surgery.
All patients in NHS Scotland who are on a waiting list for an Orthopaedic, Endoscopy or Dermatology appointment or procedure will get a text message from the National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU). The messages will begin later this week and continue into the summer. This service is delivered in partnership with the digital solutions provider, DrDoctor.
Jacqui Donald, Acute Site Director – University Hospital Ayr, explains: “NECU supports local NHS Boards to ensure that information held on NHS Scotland waiting lists is accurate, helping us to reallocate any appointments or operations that are no longer needed to others on the waiting list.”
Patients 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 still need their appointment, 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.
Jacqui added: “The texts will initially be sent to patients waiting for orthopaedic procedures and endoscopy appointments, followed by those awaiting dermatology appointments. If you are waiting for an orthopaedic, endoscopy or dermatology appointment or procedure within NHS Ayrshire & Arran, please do not ignore this message. Click on the link in your message to complete the survey and follow the simple instructions.
“We want to reassure our patients that the information gathered will only be used to manage our waiting lists, and all information shared will be kept safe and secure.
“This service has been used by a number of boards over the last year and has been extremely successful in determining, not only if the appointment was still required, but in prioritising urgent cases.”
The National Elective Coordination Unit adheres to NHS Scotland 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/