Royal Surrey introduces digital outpatient appointments | News

Here at Royal Surrey, we are bringing forward the introduction of a range of new outpatient appointment types, reducing the number of patients that need to travel to hospital for their care.

While this programme of work was already underway, we recognised the importance of reducing any unnecessary face-to-face contact during the Coronavirus pandemic and have worked hard to bring forward its launch.

This means that from now, most outpatient appointments will take place over the telephone or via a video call using the Attend Anywhere platform.

Mr Chris Coates, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who has been providing clinical insight and guidance to the project team, said: “For the majority of our patients we can review test results or discuss symptoms with them over the telephone and agree a care plan, without the need for them to travel to the hospital.

“The priority for me was to ensure that these new appointment types would in no way compromise the care or outcomes of our patients.

“While it will be possible for most outpatient appointments to happen via a call, we’re also looking at other options.”

Introducing these changes more quickly will help the hospital to reduce the risk of spreading infection during this challenging time.

In some cases, it will be necessary to maintain a traditional appointment or to attend an appointment in a community setting for diagnostic tests before your hospital appointment.

Mr Coates continued: “We have been experiencing a very high volume of calls from patients who are concerned about attending the hospital.

“These changes will ensure that those who don’t need to come into hospital for their appointment don’t have to.”

More information on these changes can be found under the Outpatients section of our Trust website.