Patients who have been waiting for over 26 weeks for an inpatient or day-case procedure will soon receive a text message from mobile number 07860 039092. The message will invite them to complete a brief survey to confirm if they still require their appointment, followed by identity verification questions. Individuals responding on behalf of another patient must provide the patient’s details.
Vicki Campbell, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Director of Acute Services, explained the importance of the process: “NECU works with NHS Boards across Scotland to ensure waiting list information is as accurate as possible. This allows us to prioritise care appropriately and free up appointments that are no longer required so they can be offered to other patients waiting for treatment.”
Campbell urged patients not to ignore the message, even if they have participated before. “If you are waiting for an inpatient or day‑case procedure with NHS Ayrshire & Arran, please don’t ignore this message. Even if you have taken part in this process before, we ask that you click the link and complete the survey again. This helps us make sure our records are correct and up to date.” She added that the information collected would be used solely for managing waiting lists and handled securely.
The service, delivered in partnership with digital solutions provider DrDoctor, has been successfully used by several NHS Boards. Messages will appear as being sent from the NHS Scotland National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) using the number 07860 039092.
Further information about the waiting list validation text service is available on the NHS Ayrshire & Arran website.
