Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has begun a pilot of a new digital patient platform.
It has developed the platform in collaboration with NHS owned health company Health Call, and integrated it with existing hospital systems to reduce the reliance on paper.
Patients receive access through the NHS App, and do not need separate log-in details, to view, accept, cancel or amend appointments, view correspondence and find supporting information.
The platform includes secure two-factor authentication, full audit history and role based access.
It will be initially piloted in the trust’s breast services clinic and there is a plan to make it available to all relevant clinical areas by November.
Reducing missed appointments
Kris MacKenzie, group director of finance and digital at Gateshead Health, said: “Our primary focus is on providing excellent health services to our local community and, through this platform, patients will be supported to easily manage and keep track of their appointments – leading to fewer missed appointments, which will in turn help reduce waiting lists.
“We are also committed to operating as efficiently and sustainably as possible and the new platform will help us reduce our carbon footprint and use of consumables.”
Ian Dove, managing director of Health Call, said: “The launch of this platform not only sets a new standard for patient communication but will enable the trust to streamline its operation, significantly reducing the 770,000 letters it sends annually to deliver more sustainable efficient healthcare.”
