A new text message service is to be introduced to ensure patient waiting lists are up to date and find out if patients still need their appointments or surgery.

Some Ayrshire patients on the waiting list for surgery will get a text message starting from November 2.

The service will be delivered by the NHS Scotland National Elective Coordination Unit in partnership with the digital solutions provider, DrDoctor.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran patients who are waiting for an operation and were added to the waiting list for surgery between September 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023 will receive a text message from NHS Scotland on mobile number 07860 039092.

This will include a link to a short survey asking if patients if they 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.

Joanne Edwards, director of Acute Services, explained: “This new service will help 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.

"And it allows patients to comment on their needs when requesting to stay or be removed from the waiting list, improving communication and engagement.

“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.”

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/.