Appointment Reminder Service

Text Reminders

Healthcare Communications is a proven technology that is used widely throughout the NHS. It has shown to save millions of pounds in wasted appointments and release staff time to care.
This text reminder service helps our patients to remember their appointment details and reduce the number of missed appointments. 

What can I expect?

Appointment Reminders: never miss another appointment 
Approximately one week before your appointment you will receive a reminder text message confirming your appointment date, time and location. 

The reminders will include: 
•    Type of appointment e.g. face-to-face, telephone or video appointment
•    Date, time and location of the appointment.

This helps to improve clarity and is particularly useful for patients who are attending multiple appointments or if a contact telephone number is used for multiple family members.

Timescale

The hospital appointment reminders are sent to patients approximately seven days before their appointment. This allows sufficient time to re-allocate outpatient appointments.

What if I cannot make my appointment or need to reschedule?

Currently the reminders will tell you which number to call or email address to email if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Do not reply by text message, as this will not be received by our bookings centre.

How do I know the message I received is from the NHS? 

You will receive text messages from: ‘SBUHB’ or a mobile number with your appointment details. All messages will contain ‘NHS Wales Reminder’. 
The NHS would never require payment or ask you to provide personal details by responding to a text. 

If you receive a message you are concerned about, do not reply or click on any links. If you need to check about an appointment, you should contact the telephone number on your appointment letter. 

We would like to reassure you that your personal information is processed securely and WILL NOT be used for marketing purposes. 
The Your Information, Your Rights  leaflet explains why information is collected by NHS Wales and how it may be used. 

Consent to opt-out of the service

We would like to reassure you that Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the law.  We will ensure that your information is safe and only used for the legal purposes for which we can use it. As these text reminders form part of your direct care and current treatment, the health board is able to use your mobile number under UK GDPR to contact you about your appointment, unless you tell us otherwise.
If you do not wish to receive text message appointment reminders, please inform the healthcare profession or booking team and we will update your record to reflect your preference in accordance with your rights under UK GDPR. If the mobile number you enter is not your personal number e.g. it belongs to family member or friend, please ensure they are informed, and you have their permission.