On average the King’s Lynn hospital has 1000 outpatient appointments every weekday. Since the introduction of digital letters and text messaging appointment reminders the number of patients who do not attend their appointments has reduced from 8.3% to 6.3%.
The hospital first started using digital letters in February 2024 which saves 85p on postage per letter. If all patients opted for digital letters this would save £4,250 per week totalling £221,000 a year.
Trudy Taylor, Head of Information and Business Support at The QEH, said: “Not only does the use of digital letters save the Trust money, but they also do not get easily lost. Digital letters help patients remember where to go and when their appointment is at the click of a button.
“On average we are seeing 100 more patients attend their appointments each week than we did in June 2023. It is really important people attend their appointments so we can make sure that people are seen when they need to be.”
The hospital also has been helping patients attend their appointments by calling them in advance especially if they have been referred by their GP at short notice.
Patients are automatically opted in to receive a digital letter however if they choose not to interact with the message within 24hrs, the digital letter is converted to paper and sent in the post. Currently almost 70% of The QEH patients are choosing a digital letter.
Patients and their families who would like to know more, please contact the team by email: appt.letters@qehkl.nhs.uk.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
Data reference – number of patients who do not attend their appointments has reduced from 8.3% to 6.3% relates to June 2023 to November 2024.
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