September 18, 2018 2.47 pm This story is over 65 months old

Hospital appointments service goes digital

Managing hospital appointments digitally

A new electronic system is set to be rolled out by Lincolnshire hospitals that will let patients confirm, cancel or rearrange appointments more easily.

From the end of this month, some patients will start to receive their appointment reminders using the new system and by the end of January 2019 all patient appointments will be received digitally, if preferred.

Patients will be able to receive appointment letters directly to their mobile phone via text when the new digital technology is introduced, as well as being able to confirm, cancel or arrange to rebook with just one click.

It will be issued to all patients who have registered a mobile phone number with the hospital and the letter can be saved to their phone or email to print it off.

Patients who would prefer a postal appointment letter will be able to make staff aware that they require to ‘opt out’ and their records will then be updated.

How will it work?

Patients will receive a text to their mobile with a secure link and four-digit PIN.

Patients can click the link and once the PIN and date of birth is entered the appointment letter appears.

Once the appointment is confirmed it can be added directly into the patient’s digital calendar, helping to reduce the risk of forgetting their appointment.

Existing appointments will not be affected and it is really important that patients ensure all contact information the hospital holds for them is correct.

ICT Project Manager at ULHT, Kelly Wymer, said: “We are really excited to launch this new system.  It will make the appointment process easier for our patients giving them all the information they need at their fingertips.

“The system is interactive, enabling instant control to accept, cancel or rearrange appointments, as well as the ability to translate the letters in to multiple languages.

“Overall it is a better, much smoother system which will enhance the patient experience.”