NHS Lincolnshire launches text waiting service

The new text service should reduce pressure on emergency staff

Two new digital services to help patients access urgent care have been launched in Lincolnshire.

One is a free mobile service that sends residents the latest waiting times at local
A+E departments in reply to the text message 'WAITING'.

In addition, NHS Lincolnshire in association with NHS Choices has created a downloadable desktop widget designed to help patients find the right treatment for their ailment locally. If the patient decides that it is an emergency, the widget also displays real-time waiting times in the same way as the text service.

Emergency care programme director for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT), Peter Buckley, said: "As the numbers of patients attending our A+E departments continues to rise, caring for the clinically most needy and vulnerable patients is a priority.

"We hope that when patients use the waiting text alert and dashboard they can and will make more informed decisions about whether alternative care... that is available throughout Lincolnshire might well be a better choice. This will free up the time of our clinical staff to concentrate on those that really need the services."

NHS Choices programme director Gary Ashby said: "Working with the NHS in Lincolnshire on using real-time data and alternatives is the next step in empowering individuals not only to make the right choices for themselves and their families through information, but also reduces the burden on essential NHS services.”