We are reviewing some of our follow-up waiting lists to make sure our records are correct and that patients are seen when they need to be.
Some of our patients have been waiting a long time for follow-up care. People may have already been treated elsewhere or their records may not be up to date. To help us check this, some patients will receive a text message in the next few weeks asking if they are still waiting for an appointment.
We know that long waits can make people worry that they have been missed. For many, this message will confirm that their referral is still active. Some may find the message surprising, but there is no need to be concerned. If a patient who is discharged realises that they still need to be seen they can contact us directly to be reinstated on the list, and they do not need a new GP referral.
Children and young people under 18 will not be contacted as part of this process.
Everyone who receives a message will be given a dedicated phone number if they need help or want to speak to a member of staff.
By checking our waiting lists in this way, we can make sure our records are accurate so that patients are seen sooner with a better experience of care.