Appointments reminders saving money

HOSPITAL chiefs claim they are saving huge sums in wasted appointments thanks to a new telephone reminder service for patients.

Managers at Sheffield’s hospitals say 18,000 wasted slots worth 1.5m have been saved since the confirmation service was introduced.

They are urging more people to register their telephone number with the automated service which gives patients a chance to confirm, cancel or reschedule their appointment.

Paul Harriman, information development manager at the Sheffield trust, said: “Feedback we have had from patients has shown that they find the reminder service really helpful particularly if their circumstances have changed and they need to change the date or time of the appointment or indeed they no longer need the appointment at all.

“This also means we can make the most efficient use of the appointments slots so that patients waiting are treated as quickly as possible and no appointments are wasted.”

He added: “They can also help by checking at the hospital that staff have the correct details, that way if they have to return at a later date we will be able to contact them through the system.”

Patients are urged to check their GP has their contact details.