A NEW ‘digital front door’ aims to improve communication between patients and hospitals in South Warwickshire.
Local hospitals as part of the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) have opened up registration for a new patient portal to the majority of outpatient services following a successful pilot.
Over 11,000 patients have already registered to the portal, which enables speedier and improved communication between patients and the trust.
In partnership with Induction Zesty, the portal’s supplier, SWFT aims to streamline communication and save costs through this new ‘digital first’ option for patients.
The portal’s lead clinician Mashuk Khan said: “I like to think of the portal as the digital front door to the hospital, which allows patients to engage with us at a time that’s convenient for them. We all live incredibly busy lives, and keeping on top of appointments, dates and times can be difficult.
“If you have an upcoming outpatient appointment with us, I would encourage you to register with the portal so you have all the information you need at your fingertips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anytime and anywhere.”
The delivery of the patient portal is a major, long-term project for SWFT, and the phased approach to development means patients can expect additional functionality to be added gradually over the coming months and years.
Now patients are able to view appointment letters, set preferences to opt-out of paper appointment letters, add appointments to their own digital calendars and
view maps of the trust’s hospital sites.
The trust’s chief digital and technology officer Adam Carson said: “Following our initial pilot with four specialties – gynaecology, dermatology, gastroenterology and rheumatology – that had over two-thirds uptake from all eligible patients, we’re thrilled to announce that we are now opening the patient portal to the majority of outpatient services.
“The benefits of the portal to patients are enormous as it offers patients more choice and control over their own health and care, as well as how they communicate and receive important information from us.
“This is just the starting point on this exciting journey, as patients will soon be able to reschedule or cancel appointments, view test results, and access their electronic health record through the portal.”
Visit https://patients.swft.nhs.uk/ to sign up.
