The NHS has recently reported that it has lost millions of pounds during the last 12 month due to the vast number of patients failing to turn up for scheduled appointments.
In their report, it was stated than an estimated 12 million doctor surgery appointments were missed and almost 7 million outpatient appointments at hospitals – a staggering 19 million appointments in total.
An effective solution to reducing missed appointments in the healthcare industry could be the implementation of SMS text messaging services, enabling doctor and dentist surgeries and hospitals to remind patients of their impending appointments.
SMS text messaging systems are low cost and incredibly easy to use. Operated via a dedicated online portal on a PC or laptop, users can quickly write messages and send to their selected contact or multiple contacts as required.
Messages can also be prepared and scheduled to be sent at a later date – ideal for planning and issuing regular patient reminders at set intervals in the run-up to their appointments.
Not only are text messaging systems convenient and easy to use but they are also incredibly cost effective. The Smiles SMS system from Huddersfield-based Direct Voice and Data incurs no initial set-up fee and offers low cost monthly rental charges and competitive text message rates. In addition, there is no fixed contract term and no limit on the number of texts you can send.
Direct Voice and Data are a leading provider of business telephone systems and IT networks in the UK. With 30 years’ experience in the industry, Direct Voice and Data are one of the most respected business communications systems suppliers today.
For more information on business telephone systems and IT solutions from Direct Voice, call 0800 84 999 84 or click Contact Us.
