Thousands of patients cared for by South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are now managing their outpatient appointments digitally at the touch of a button thanks to a new online Patient Engagement Portal (PEP).
Last year, the NHS trust teamed up with digital health company DrDoctor as part of its ongoing commitment to improving outpatient care by introducing new technology and innovations.
Patients who have provided the trust with a mobile number are now receiving appointment reminders and digital outpatient appointment letters via text messages from 07860 039 092 – making it easier for them to manage their appointments on their smartphone, tablet or PC.
In addition, the new portal supports the trust’s Greener Plan by reducing the number of printed letters sent out.
Each week, South Tees Hospitals sends around 15,000 digital outpatient letters through the DrDoctor portal.
On top of that, more than 105,000 text message appointment reminders have been sent.
Jay Garratt, digital programme manager, said: “The portal is a huge transformation in how we communicate with our patients.
“It’s fantastic to see our patients embracing a digital culture and accessing their appointment information electronically.
The portal is already empowering thousands of our outpatients to be more involved in their care and view vital appointment information digitally without delay."
He added: “At the same time, we understand that digital communication isn’t for everyone – the Patient Engagement Portal is an entirely optional service.
Those who we do not have a mobile number for, have opted out or haven’t viewed their digital letters within 48 hours will be posted a paper copy automatically.”
Sam Peate, chief operating officer, added: “There are many benefits to not just our patients but also to our organisation and administrative teams. The portal is freeing up more time for patient care and improving the utilisation of clinical patient appointments.”
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Following the success of the Patient Engagement Portal, the trust is now also using DrDoctor’s Patient Engagement Portal for its video consultations.
Patients are being sent text messages from 07860 039 092, or an email from [email protected], with a unique link to their video consultation.
Tallulah McCue, outpatient improvement manager, added: “I’m really pleased with the engagement we’ve received so far from our patients; it really shows the need for this service.
“We look forward to being able to use more of the portal’s functions in the future to involve our patients even more in their care.”