East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has announced that from November 1 it will operate a new confirmation service for most outpatient appointments.
If your patient’s outpatient appointment is booked more than four weeks in advance, they may receive a text or phone call reminder.
If they require further details, please check with the clinic receptionist to see whether their appointment is covered by the service, and direct the patient to the Trust website for further information.
Parents of child patients will only receive this service if they “opt in” by speaking to paediatric outpatient clerks.
Those who are carers for a patient can register to receive reminders on their client’s behalf, by speaking to their clinic receptionist.
All those over 70 will receive a phone-call from a member of call-centre staff, unless they have stated that they would prefer a text or automated call reminder.
If your patient wishes to opt out of the service, they should contact their clinic receptionist but please note they will not receive a reminder letter.
In order to ensure the service works effectively, please check your patient’s contact details, including mobile numbers, and ensure they are quoted accurately on referral documents
The new system is designed to reduce the DNAs which cost the Trust more than £6 million per year. Please encourage your patients to fully participate.
