Due to financial constraints in the local health authority, we have been asked to review some of our working practices with a view to trying to save costs where possible. One area that has been identified, due to a sharp increase in the cost, is our text messaging service. Whilst we recognise that this is an essential tool, which greatly benefits both our patients and us we do need to make some adjustments.
We would like to ask for your help with this. In the first instance we would encourage you to download the NHS App as messages from our clinical systems will in the first instance go to this. The NHS App gives you a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services. Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the Google play or App store. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.
What you can do with your NHS App
- order repeat prescriptions
- receive messages from your GP surgery (turn Notifications on for this please)
- receive messages about hospital & specialist care appointments
- view your health record securely
- manage your organ donation decision
- view your NHS number
- use NHS 111 online
You will also see an increase the amount of communication via email in place of text messages. Recent IT developments in the secondary care system has also enabled us to send hospital appointments direct via email. As you will no doubt be aware the postal system is under great strain at the moment and delivery times have been severely affected and so email is a preferred method of communication. Please ensure that we have your current email address.
We appreciate that there will be some patients, particularly our older and vulnerable patients, who will not be able to use the NHS App or do not have an email address and we will continue to offer these patients other methods of communication.