Patients in Ayrshire can expect a text message from NHS Scotland in the next few days to ask if they still need their appointments or surgery.
Some Ayrshire patients on the waiting list for surgery will get a text message starting from Monday, April 22.
This service will be delivered by NHS Scotland's national elective coordination Unit (NECU), in partnership with the digital solutions provider, DrDoctor.
Jacqui Donald, acute site director with NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: “This service helps us understand if patients’ needs have changed. It allows us to contact large cohorts of patients at once to find out if they still need an appointment or operation.
“Using this text service means that we reduce the number of phone calls our teams need to make to validate our waiting lists.
"It reduces printing and postage costs associated with sending letters. It also allows patients to comment on their needs when requesting to stay or be removed from the waiting list, improving communication and engagement.”
NHS Ayrshire & Arran patients who are waiting for an operation will receive a text message from the NECU team on mobile number 07860 039092.
The health board says some people may have received this message previously, but that it will be helpful to them if you provide a further update.
This will include a link to a short survey asking if patients still need their operation, followed by a few questions to confirm their identity.
People who are answering the survey on behalf of someone else must provide the patient’s details at this stage.
Ms Donald added: “If you are waiting for an operation, please do not ignore this message. Click on the link in your message to complete the survey and follow the simple instructions.
“The information gathered will only be used to manage our waiting lists, and all information shared will be kept safe and secure.”
The NECU adheres to NHS Scotland clinical and information governance standards, policies and procedures.
For more information on the waiting list validation text message service, visit https://www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/waiting-list-validation-information-for-patients/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here