Free texts flag hospital visits

The two-way text and interactive voice messaging reminder service has been set up to make it easier for patients and has been introduced after national figures suggest around one in 10 people miss their appointments.

The reminder message will be sent directly to patients’ mobile phones or landlines a few days before they are due at the hospital.

“We have set up this service to reduce missed appointments, which delay treatment and increase waiting times for all patients,” said Rebecca Adams, service improvement facilitator at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust.

“If patients do want to cancel or rearrange their appointments, the advance notification gives them the opportunity to do so.

“Patients will automatically be added to the system so it is important that we have their current contact details.”

To update your contact details or to opt out of the service, please contact the hospital’s appointments office on 01623 672383.