North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is broadening the scope of outpatient services accessible through the MyHealthCall patient platform in the NHS app after witnessing substantial benefits from an initial trial.
Initial Success in Gastroenterology
Initially, the Trust implemented this new booking system for gastroenterology outpatient appointments. The system demonstrated effectiveness, averting roughly 10 no-shows every month, which translates to a financial conservation of approximately £1,500 in the same period. This compelling outcome has propelled the decision to extend the service range.
Expansion to Diverse Medical Departments
By the end of February, users of the NHS App will have the autonomy to manage appointments across various departments, including respiratory medicine, urology, and general surgery, among others. This move enhances patient autonomy and convenience in scheduling healthcare services.
Kath Tarn, who is at the helm of outpatients and place-based care at the Trust, emphasized the system’s user-friendliness and its significant role in reducing missed appointments. The application, according to Tarn, is fundamentally about offering patients the flexibility to arrange their medical appointments effortlessly.
The Trust’s proactive efforts are pivotal in integrating additional services into the application, with expectations that a broader patient base will embrace this user-centric system as it evolves.
Ian Dove, the Managing Director of NHS Health Call, which provides the MyHealthCall platform, lauded the Trust for the quick adoption and effective use of technology. He remarked on the dual benefits of conserving vital appointments and granting patients the ease of organizing their care, highlighting the Trust’s dedication to service improvement.
The extension of the MyHealthCall platform signifies a strategic advancement in patient care, exemplifying a shift towards digital empowerment and efficiency in the healthcare sector.
