PEOPLE in Dumfries and Galloway awaiting medical appointments are being urged not to ignore an important text message.
As part of a national NHS Scotland effort to improve waiting times, some patients may soon receive a text on their phone asking if they still need their appointment or surgery.
Health services across Scotland are under significant pressure, with many people waiting longer than anyone would like. This national check-in is one way to make the best use of appointment slots and ensure care is delivered as quickly as possible to those who need it.
The message will come from the National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU), based within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – which is all part of the same NHS family.
The project is being run nationally to make things faster and more efficient for patients across Scotland, with NECU working in partnership with trusted digital provider DrDoctor.
If you’ve been waiting 40 weeks or more and have provided a mobile number to the NHS, you may receive a message from the number 07860 039092. It will include a link to a short survey asking if you still need your appointment, followed by a few simple questions to confirm your identity.
If you’re answering the survey on behalf of someone else – such as a parent or relative – you’ll be asked to provide their details.
Not everyone will receive a text – and that’s okay. Some people will be contacted in other ways, such as by phone or letter. No one will be left behind due to lack of access to digital devices.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s general manager Calum Ambridge said: “We know waiting can be frustrating, and that’s why we’re working hard to make sure our lists are up to date.
“If someone no longer needs an appointment, we can give that slot to someone else who does – but we want to be very clear: nobody will be removed if they still need care. “We understand people may be cautious about links in text messages. But this message is genuine – and it’s there to help us help you.”
If you don’t respond to the message, you’ll be contacted by phone. If needed, a letter will follow with next steps.
To find out more, visit the NECU page at: https://www.nhscfsd.co.uk/our-work/national-elective-coordination-unit/
