NHS saves £1000's with pilot scheme in North Tees and Hartlepool
The NHS Trust launched the pilot scheme reminding patients of their appointments ahead of time - and two months in, more than £10,000 has been saved
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
More than £10,000 has been 'saved' by the NHS thanks to a pilot scheme launched by the health service across North Tees and Hartlepool.
In total, over the first two months of the scheme, it's been revealed £10,494 has been saved during the pilot to reduce missed appointments, which not only impact the care of patients, but also cost the NHS hundreds of pounds.
A missed paediatrics visit costs £272.91, according to NHS figures.
Social prescriber Liam Jones has been handed the responsibility of the project, whose role is to proactively contact patients who have upcoming appointments in obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics with a reminder.
Some patients also received advice about community services such as patient transport services and alternative appointment methods like video appointments.
The pilot has been operated in partnership with Hartlepool and Stockton Health GP Federation.
Since the launch of the pilot, 7 in 10 appointments which may have been marked as a 'did not attend' were attended, with Liam's work leading to a huge reduction in the number of missed appointments.
Between 1 January to 20 February, the NHS found in their pilot project:
- 213 patients in obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics were contacted
- Out of those, 176 planned appointments went ahead as planned
- Out of those, 19 appointments were 'proactively cancelled', in favour of alternative arrangements, including the chance to re-book the appointment
- Only 18 out of the 213 appointments were recorded as a 'Did Not Attend'
Liam said: “My role is to support patients in the community to improve their overall health.
“We know some people forget about their appointments or may be facing a change in circumstance which will make it more difficult to get to hospital. Just by getting in touch I can remind them about their upcoming appointment, make sure they can get here OK and help change the appointment date if that suits them better.
“It’s a simple solution to an issue which impacts all health care providers.”
The early announcement of the results of the pilot came in time for World Social Prescribing Day which celebrates social prescribing, recognising link workers, local community groups and organisations which support people’s health and wellbeing.
Dr Elaine Gouk, obstetrics and gynaecology consultant, commented: “It’s not just about the money saved by reducing the missed appointments. Liam’s work has ensured 176people attended their appointments and received the care they need.
“We’re more flexible than people think and I would urge any patient with an appointment they no longer need or want to change to get in touch.”